A Season for Reflection

by DR KURT SENSKE, Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

Ash Wednesday brings us into the season of Lent. While Lent may not be the longest season in the church year, it certainly is one of the most important. As Christians, it is an opportune time for us to grow in our faith as we think about our relationship with Jesus while His suffering and death come into focus.

One of the most interesting dynamics of this season is that it offers us a time for quiet reflection. The language used in worship is purposefully quieter than normal; for example, the word “alleluia” is not used as an expression of praise during Lent. Worship music is often reflective and subdued. In many churches, crosses and other religious artwork are “veiled”—covered with a transparent cloth throughout the 40 days to mute their brilliance and add to the solemn tone of the season.

These activities serve as reminders for us to spend time thinking about life, death, faith, relationships, and Jesus during these 40 days. This time spent in personal reflection and prayer before individual or family devotions has special meaning for us throughout Lent. But in today’s fast-paced world, it can sometimes be a challenge to find the proper time and setting for such reflection.

This is why I encourage you to visit lhm.org/lent to check out the Lenten Devotions produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries. This year’s series, Man of Sorrows, People of Joy, is a great resource for personal use, small group Bible studies, or family devotion time to help keep your faith conversations going. These devotions can be customized and printed for sharing with others and introducing them to Jesus— why He became human, what His work was all about, and what He accomplished on our behalf.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, you can also read or listen to each day’s devotion online or receive them as a daily email. A Spanishlanguage series, Morir para dar fruto (Die to Bear Fruit), is also available.

In addition to these longrunning seasonal devotions, LHM is producing another Lenten resource to be available this year during Holy Week. Make plans to join The Lutheran Hour® as it devotionally reflects on the events of Holy Week based on the Gospel of Matthew. With hymns arranged by the Erin Bode Group, this special will contemplate on what Jesus did for us in His journey to the cross. You can listen to this special starting April 3 by going to lutheranhour.org or the platforms where you typically listen to The Lutheran Hour podcast. You can also check the broadcast guide at lutheranhour.org closer to Holy Week to see if the special is airing on a station near you.