Dear friends,
It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the feast of Christmas, reminding us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In a few weeks, we’ll be celebrating Easter – when we recall the death and resurrection of our Saviour. Now, of course, we are in Lent, the period when we remember the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness. During that time he was not only praying for himself, asking God to give him more strength to bear the pain of crucifixion, but also for the peace of the world.
Lent is a time when we are asked to turn again to the Lord and be converted by his grace. The services we attend offer us the opportunity, as we listen to God’s word, to pray for our needs, the needs of others, and for peace in the world.
At this time of year, Christians take time to pray, repent and receive assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the Gospel, so as to grow in faith and devotion to our Lord.
Nevertheless, this Lent season comes when the world is facing natural disasters like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It was a horrible situation to watch - people dying in such large numbers. They need our prayers and financial support. Not only that, this year Lent comes when there are political protests taking place in Arab countries like: Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia and elsewhere. Many people in those countries are without hope and need our prayers, as well as physical and moral support.
Lent should aim at making us more aware of the extraordinary love and care the Lord has for us. For all of us, wherever we are on our journey of faith, Lent is a time for renewed prayer and for giving more time and space to God and to all those in need.
Lent is a time to seek again the face of Christ. There we will find the compassion and healing love that renews our spirits. Look on that face in the silence of your prayer and give thanks to the Lord who has such love for us. Coming to the heart and face of Christ, we discover anew what it means to be truly one of his disciples, sent out to proclaim and be the Good News of the Kingdom.
Jesus calls us to be his presence among all people, to bring joy, satisfaction and comfort – but not without cost. As you engage yourself on this journey of discipleship, you are encouraged to have Jesus as your companion and friend.
A friend like Jesus is someone with whom you can be completely honest and who understands you just the way you are. Jesus is someone to talk to and he will listen to you when things are going wrong and will give you support in the time of need. It is so wonderful to have a friend like Jesus. And he is always there for you.
I wish you all a blessed Lent and Eastertide,
Samuel Uwimana