“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen…” (Matthew 28:5)
Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that leads to Easter Sunday. Continue reading “Lent: A Season of Sacrifice”
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…” (1 Cor 15:20-22)
Today is Easter, the most important day of the year for Christians. Today, we celebrate the true meaning of Easter, which is found in the following truth: Jesus overcame death. He was humiliated and offered as a sacrifice on the cross. He died and rose from the grave, confirming he was the Son of God. Continue reading “The Hope of Easter”
“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” Mt 21:9
This Sunday, April 14, begins Holy Week. Applauded and acclaimed on what is now known as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey. By Friday, he’d received a sham trial and then was beaten and ultimately crucified. Saying he had a terrible week would be a gross understatement. But because of his willing sacrifice, we have the hope of eternal life today. Continue reading “Holy Week: From Acclamation to Devastation”
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:17-18)
As Easter draws closer, we look for ways to deepen our spiritual life and draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is one spiritual discipline we can use to do this.
When fasting, we give up something we enjoy – food, liquids other than water, social media, TV or movies – and we use that time to study Scripture and pray.
Fasting can be done any time, not just at Easter or as part of Lent. Some people fast before making a big decision (see Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). Some people fast at the beginning of the year to reset their minds as the new year begins. Continue reading “The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting”
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” (Song 2:11-12)
After a hard winter, signs of spring are finally beginning to appear here in Oklahoma. Birds chirp, squirrels run through the yard, and bees buzz and flit from flower to flower. As the temperatures rise and the world around me reawakens, I feel joy bloom in my heart and new energy come back into my body. This is the beauty of spring: it brings new beginnings, not only in nature, but in our own lives. Continue reading “A Return to Spring”