(Read the introductory letter here.)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Season of Lent provides us all with opportunities:
- the opportunity to grow in relationship with God,
- the opportunity to expand our understanding of what it means for us to be creatures made in the image of God, and
- the opportunity to learn to live life more fully in and through the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus knows that all of these opportunities and more await us, but he also knows that in order to live into our fullest potential and avail ourselves of the prospects before us, we must first fortify a strong spiritual foundation (Matt. 7:24-27). As such, our Lenten journey begins with four teachings that inform us how we are to understand generosity, prayer, fasting, and stewardship. Jesus teaches that we should give alms, pray, and fast in secret–committing ourselves to investing in the things that endure eternally. He teaches that we should avoid being entrapped by superficial self-centeredness or self-glorification. Most importantly, he teaches that in all things, we should seek God first. Indeed, may God guide and bless us in these holy aspirations.
Loving God, as we enter into this season of opportunity, may it be a time of transformation for each of us according to your will. May we give generously, pray intently, and refrain faithfully. Guide our hearts to the source that is our treasure–Jesus Christ–that we may grow in relationship with you in ways that endure throughout eternity. In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek
