The Rector's Column - March 2025 - Message for Lent

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.” (Luke 10:41). Martha had, I think understandably, complained to Jesus about her sister not helping carry the load of hospitality for Jesus and his disciples.

I feel I am in the midst of a season of life that makes me feel a great deal of sympathy for her. There are so many things going on in the parish, APNET, the diocese, my house needs some maintenance, car troubles, tax season, etc., etc., etc. Various conversations I’ve partially overheard or directly had tell me I’m not the only one. Life is busy. Martha was busy, with good intent and purpose. She was serving Jesus, after all. 

However, her business actually was an impediment to see that more than what she wanted to do for Jesus, Jesus had something for her. He wanted her fellowship. He wanted her to receive from him. Her effort to bless him was keeping her from being blessed. And it made her grumpy. There wasn’t anything wrong with what she wanted to do. The problem was the distraction and worry that resulted in mis prioritization. She lost sight of the point of Jesus’ visit to her home. He came to be with her (and Mary and Lazarus). 

Somehow 2025 hit the accelerator and we are suddenly on the verge of Lent. Lent is a season of the church year that calls us to repentance, self-discipline, fasting, and pray-er. It is possible for these things, which are all of benefit, to also lose their point. Lent, as all the seasons in the church year, is one with a purpose. The purpose is the priority: to release worry and distraction in order to be with Jesus. 

Fasting, prayer, abstinence in its various forms, giving are all tools that are meant to help us focus. If there’s something that’s been distracting us, keeping us from our discipleship and the body of Christ, this is a wonderful time to intentionally respond. The best way is to commit, during this season, to spend some time every day with the Lord. We bring our needs and concerns before Him, seeking His grace to answer each. 

More than that, we do it just because He invites us into His presence, and that is more important and valuable than any worry or distraction. In fact, what we will discover is that the more time we spend with the Lord, the less of an issue these things actually are. 

Embrace Lent by sitting at the feet of Jesus, being renewed in the Holy Spirit, and enjoying Him. 

The Lord be with you,  +Fraser