Feb 23rd, 2026
The Season of Lent is a forty-day journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter that invites prayer, self-reflection, repentance, and service. Rooted in Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, (Matthew 4:1-11), Lent calls Christians not just to self-denial, but to deeper faithfulness and renewed commitment to God’s way.
RCC members giving out clothes for yearly Winter Warm-up
In the Gospel account of Jesus’ temptation, the Devil challenges Jesus with bread, spectacle, and power. Each time, Jesus refuses to use power for personal gain, to test God, or to dominate others. Instead, he relies on God, remains grounded in scripture, and stays faithful to his purpose. Jesus’ response models prayer, sacrifice, humility, and trust.
Lent, therefore, is a call to emulate Jesus through prayer, self-reflection, self sacrifice and service. One common practice is fasting. Fasting can mean more than giving up food or luxuries; it can involve letting go of prejudices, excessive comfort, privilege, and overconsumption. The season challenges Christians to pursue justice, inclusion, love of neighbor, and care for the vulnerable and our planet home.
The message emphasizes moving beyond an overly individualistic faith toward collective responsibility for the common good. This includes examining environmental harm, consumerism, misuse of resources, and the comfort that prevents deeper engagement. Those with power and privilege are called to advocate for marginalized communities and to sacrifice not only money, but also time and convenience.
Ultimately, Lent invites personal and societal change so that all may flourish. Jesus’ emergence from the wilderness and the beginning of his ministry offer hope: no matter how harsh, lonely, or broken the world feels, resurrection is possible. As we journey toward Easter, we are encouraged to walk, listen, speak, and live more like Jesus, becoming agents of God’s Shalom; health, wholeness, security, right relationships and peace.
Fighting for nature: just one way we can do God’s work
