February 18, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Season of Lent, those (roughly) 40 days in which we participate in self-examination, repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and meditating on God's holy Word.

Over the years this day, and this season, have been focused on the aspect of giving up: giving up things of the self in favor of doing things for God; giving up things that waste time in favor of being more productive; giving up harmful language in favor of speaking well; etc. In more modern times we've seen practices of giving up television, social media, or chocolate. I'm aware of one priest who gives up wearing socks during Lent in order to help him understand just a little better of what many homeless people experience.

And while some of these practices are more pious than others, what all of them have in common is a sense that they are Lenten disciplines which can be ended with the arrival of Easter.

I came across and email yesterday with a link to a podcast about Lent where the tagline was, “Ash Wednesday is not an ending. It's a true beginning.”

That line sums up what I've been saying for several years: The point of Lenten disciplines is not to make us miserable. The point of Lenten disciplines is to give us time to make permanent changes.

Whatever your Lenten discipline is this year – reading more Scripture, purchasing additional hygiene products for the Food Pantry, attending worship services more often, turning off the tv to pray, – take a new look at what and why you're doing it. Could you look at that discipline as not just a seasonal practice but the beginning of a long-term change?

And whatever you do this Lent, may your practice be based in and reflect the love of Christ.

Blessings,

February 11, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Let us bless the Lord.

Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday. This is a season of penitence, self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial. In addition to fasting from certain activities or behaviors, it has become fashionable to take something on as a Lenten discipline. This year our youth group is encouraging everyone to take on the practice of purchasing extra personal hygiene products which will then be given to the Food Pantry.

You will also notice that the liturgy takes on a more somber tone. The Gloria or song of praise is replaced with the kyrie (Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy), our hymns are noticeably different, and alleluias are omitted. Our dismissal also changes from one that specifically sends us out into the world with both joy and in acknowledgment of what we have just heard and participated, to, “Let us bless the Lord.”

This last form of dismissal (pp. 340, 366) was traditionally used in more solemn and penitential times, such as Advent and Lent. I have probably spent too much time searching for why this was, or the meaning behind why this dismissal came to be used during these times only to find nothing. This seems to be the classic, “We've always done it that way.” So let me give my interpretation of why we use that particular dismissal during Advent and Lent.

Lent, especially, is a penitential season. The Exhortation reminds us of our need for penitence and to make restitution. The Rite 1 Confession acknowledges that our sins “most justly provoke the wrath” of God. Nevertheless, we are also reminded of God's great mercy and steadfast love. We see this in many places, but most notably in Ps. 103 which begins, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”

This psalm proclaims that, even in the midst of sinners, God is the God of mercy and grace. It proclaims a message of steadfast love and compassion, while also claiming that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.” It is in the knowledge that even though we are sinners God is yet merciful and loving, we are called to bless the Lord always.

That is why, in the Season of Lent, we are dismissed from the liturgy with the words, “Let us bless the Lord.” As we travel through this penitential season, working to change our habits and get right with God, remember to give thanks and praise to our God who is full of compassion and mercy.

Blessings,

February 4, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Extend Hope to All People

This is the second clause of our Vision Statement. And while I think it's a good phrase, you might be wondering just how, exactly, do we do that? How do we “extend hope to all people?”

If you think about it, there are multiple ways to do this.

We offer our parish hall for AA meetings on Mondays and Thursdays. AA provides hope and resources for those people suffering from an addiction to alcohol and the chaos that can create in lives. Having a place to go that is consistent and safe provides hope for the people of AA.

The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition provides hope for those struggling with thoughts of suicide. Through resources, advocacy, trainings, and awareness, the SPC works to provide hope for those contemplating suicide as well as their families. When we are sincere in telling people that we are better with them than without them, hope takes root.

At our Annual Meeting this past Sunday, Horizon and Balyn made a presentation to the congregation on behalf of the Confirmation class. As part of the class' “faith in action” segment, the group discussed a variety of needs within the community and settled on a hygiene drive through the season of Lent. Personal hygiene items are the one thing that the Food Pantry is always in need of and are items that go quickly when they do have them in stock.

How does the hygiene drive extend hope? Well . . . it's always easier to be hopeful when you're shaved, showered, and have your teeth brushed.

Supplying hygiene products for the food pantry would be an excellent Lenten discipline for the people of Saint Luke's. I encourage you to support this youth-led project by purchasing additional toothpaste, shampoo, soap, pads, wipes, and/or any other additional items that come to mind.

Through this project we can help provide daily hope for the people who rely on the Food Pantry, and thereby begin to live into our vision to extend hope to all people.

Blessings,