Wednesday begins the Season of Lent, with the Ash Wednesday Liturgy and the imposition of ashes.  Some say that Lent is a downer, that the hymns are depressing and they avoid going to church during these next six weeks.

I would invite you to think of Lent as a time of "spiritual housecleaning."  If you go to dictionary.com, you'll find the origins of the word: "Middle English lente ( n ), Old English lencten, lengten  spring, Lent, literally, lengthening (of daylight hours); cognate with Dutch lente, German Lenz  spring."

The Season of Lent invites us to look at our spiritual lives and see where we might need some sprucing up, some sweeping and cleaning.  Just as we notice the need for sweeping outside now that the snow has melted, Lent invites us to look inside our hearts and our souls to see what needs sweeping.  Do we need to attend to something that has been bugging us and we've put up on a shelf in our minds?  Are there relationships that need mending?  Are we yearning for a deeper relationship with God, but are not sure how to begin?

Lent is a perfect time to begin again.  God is offering all of us an opportunity to slow down and reflect on our lives and where God is calling us as individuals and as a parish.  It is fitting that our "Looking Forward with Grace' dinners are happening during Lent.  I hope you will take the opportunity to join with fellow parishioners and come to one of the dinners.  There is still time to sign up.  Call the Church Office 617-244-3221 or email Susan: office@gracenewton.org.

During Lent, Grace Discussion Group will focus on forgiveness, reconciliation and reflection.  Hilary and I will be leading these sessions and we hope that you will make the time to join us as we look at scripture and other writings to help us as we attend to the spiritual housecleaning of our souls.

Lent doesn't have to be a downer.  It's an opportunity for reflection and renewal.  It can be a time for self-discipline and giving to others as well.  As the days lengthen and we witness the promise of spring all around us, won't it be wonderful if we attend to the garden of our souls as well?  Easter will be all the more triumphant and glorious.