Devotion For Ash Wednesday: Lent Day 1

Good Morning and a Blessed, Holy Ash Wednesday to all of you. If you are anywhere near the Upper Valley of NH, we welcome you to join us this evening at 6:00PM for a soup supper and a Service of Holy Communion at 7:00PM. We are located at 96 Main St. in Enfield NH. Today will begin the first in a series of devotions for all the days of Lent. These devotions have been written by various members of the Community Lutheran Church in Enfield NH.

May these devotions enrich your spiritual practices during this deeply meditative season of Lent.

Lenten Reflection for Day 1

Date: Wednesday March 9

Author: Pastor Pat Harris

Bible Passage:

Matthew 11:28–30 (NRSV)

²⁸ “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Reflection:

Following Jesus is not always easy. Today, on Ash Wednesday, it can seem particularly difficult to be a disciple or follower of Jesus. People around us are going about their usual business, perhaps thinking of spring or maybe a trip to a warmer climate. As Christian, we realize that this day is the beginning of Lent, a time when we especially recall that we have been baptized into both Jesus’ life and death. In many churches today, followers of Christ will receive ashes on their foreheads with the words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you will return.” Instead of thinking about spring on this Ash Wednesday, we are encouraged to consider our mortality and reflect on how we will spend this mortal life. The Lenten season is a time for reflection, prayer, penitence and serving our neighbor.

What’s easy about being a follower of Jesus and following the discipline of Lent? How can Jesus say that his yoke is easy? Being a disciple of Jesus is life changing. It changes your priorities and can change your life direction. Sometimes these changes do seem hard. Yet Jesus guides with a gentle hand, leading and encouraging. And God’s grace in Jesus is where you can find the promised rest for your soul. Whatever else is happening to you, you know that God gives you the promise of forgiveness, and new life after this mortal life is over.

Those heavy burdens you are carrying—even the seeming weight of the so-called Lenten discipline—bring them to Jesus in prayer. When you receive those ashes on your forehead and the reminder of your mortality, remember those who have been baptized into Jesus’ life and death are also baptized into his resurrection. This mortal life is not all there is—there is the promise of another brand new, shining life. Jesus’ yoke is indeed easy when the end result is considered. You will find rest for your soul. Thanks be to God.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I ask first for your gentle yoke for myself to keep me in your ways. Keep reminding me that your yoke is light, when all things are considered. And then Lord, I pray for my friends and colleagues that they may come to know what your yoke means and may learn to follow you. Amen