Growing up, the practice of Lenten sacrifices has always stressed me out a bit. “Are you giving something up for Lent?” or “What are you giving up for Lent?” are questions I have been asked year after year, which I’m sure is relatable for many. It always prompted internal questions for me, such as should I be giving something up this year? What should that be? What is this fostering; what is my intentionality—is this right for me and my relationship with my faith and spirituality right now?
Lent is a time for reflection, and perhaps a bit of discomfort too. Lent is a time for spiritual spring cleaning, we often hear. For me this year, that is shaping up to be quite literal: I’m navigating a move, and the subsequent time of change and transition that comes with that. I’m having to downsize my belongings quite a bit, so this Lent, I’m examining my relationship with materialism —the role of material possessions in my life, and the weight and value I place on them regarding my comfort.
Of course, a Lenten sacrifice doesn’t necessarily mean giving something up. It could mean taking something on, or as Bishop Kathy welcomes us to reflect upon in her column (p. 18), creating space for something, making “space for God to meet us, renew us, and gently reshape our lives.” I certainly appreciated her column and insights this issue. The process of “letting go” of so much, re-examining and re-aligning my true priorities, is uncomfortable, but that’s alright! It’s okay to sit in discomfort sometimes (if it’s reasonable and healthy forms of discomfort) because it can cultivate and “create space” for new growth, new life!
This issue, our feature explores the ‘new life’ our theological schools are welcoming in—through discernment and new initiatives to meet the needs of our changing church landscape. If you’re curious what our seminaries are up to, what Lutheran theological education looks like today, and what our theological schools are doing to accommodate our church’s changing needs, this feature is so insightful, and an exciting read!
As well, this issue welcomes our first guest columnist for Faith @ Home (Bible study)! As creation begins to awaken and usher in new life this spring, Boston Laferté, a current Master of Divinity student, encourages us to reflect on our relationship with creation and Indigenous ways of knowing.
I wonder, how are you preparing for new life this Lent? What discomfort are you welcoming, or what are you creating space for? Reach out and let me know, if you’re willing to share (editor@elcic.ca).
Wishing you all a blessed and reflective Lent!
Sarah Malina
Editor
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