Bishop's Letter: Lent 2009

February 24, 2009

Once again, we embark with Jesus on the journey that leads to the cross and the empty tomb. The season takes its length (Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, not including the Sundays) from Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, where he engaged the power of evil’s temptations intended to separate him from God. Likewise Lent is for us a season for facing the wilderness of obstacles to our own faith, in which to deny those things that are not of God, that we might become more fully of God ourselves.

The Church’s observation of Lent provides us with an intentional period of self-examination and repentance, a time of removing those things that separate us from God and one another, a path by which we may be led to give ourselves ever more fully to all that God dreams for us. As we journey with Jesus, we are challenged by his deepening self-awareness to become more aware of ourselves – what is given us and what is forgiven us – and encouraged by his surrender to surrender our true selves more completely to God’s service and love. It is at times a hard journey, at times a comforting one, and when we undertake it with humility and dedication, always one of greater conversion.

In the words of the Ash Wednesday liturgy, I invite you to the observance of a holy Lent. Enroll in a Lenten Study program at your church. You will find in your congregation worthy companions; God always provides them. If it fits your schedule, join me at St. Paul’s, Medina, on Saturday, March 7, from 9:30 to 3, for a Lenten retreat day. Meditations, contemplative practices, and lunch will be provided. (To register, call 216-774-0460 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .) Commit to a simple prayer discipline, like the one found by clicking this link. Open yourself to wherever God may be inviting you. With Jesus’ own journey as your guide, give yourself back to God.

The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Bishop of Ohio