He saved us and called us to a holy life…now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus…
2 Timothy 1:9-10
Jesus called us to a holy life. During Lent, we are asked to pray, fast and give alms to the poor. We can and should pray, fast and help others all year long. These actions are emphasized during Lent, reminding us of our commitment to something beyond our individual wants—our call to a holy life. It also reminds us of Jesus’ death on the cross: “[he] destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (verse 10). He saved us from our selfishness, our pettiness, our sinfulness. Lent is the perfect time to embrace the gospel of love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul Pennick
Originally published in Living Faith Lent 2020
