The Journey Toward Lent

We find ourselves in the midst of Pre-Lent, a time given to us by the Church to prepare our hearts for the great journey of repentance and renewal that is Lent. This season is a gift—a call to wake up spiritually, to take stock of our lives, and to begin tilling the soil of our hearts so that, when the season of fasting and discipline arrives, we are ready to receive the grace God desires to give us.

This week, on Sexagesima Sunday, we are reminded of the power and purpose of God’s Word in our lives. The appointed readings bring us face to face with the question: What kind of soil are we? Are we ready to receive the Word of God, to let it take root and bear fruit?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to us in the Parable of the Sower. The Sower—who is God Himself—spreads the seed, which is His Word. But the growth of that seed depends on the condition of the soil. Some seed falls along the path, where it is trampled and devoured by birds. This represents a hardened heart, where God’s truth does not penetrate. Some falls on rocky ground, where it springs up quickly but withers because it has no root. This is the shallow faith that does not endure hardship. Some falls among thorns, where it is choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world. This is the distracted heart, where worldly concerns prevent spiritual growth. But some falls on good soil, where it grows and yields a hundredfold. This is the heart that receives the Word with faith and perseverance.

Pre-Lent is a time to ask: What kind of soil am I? Have I allowed the cares of this world to choke out my faith? Have I been hardened to God’s voice? Am I shallow in my spiritual life, unwilling to endure difficulty for Christ? Or is my heart truly open to God, ready to bear fruit?

If we need an example of what it looks like to be good soil, we need only look to St. Paul. In this Sunday’s Epistle (2 Corinthians 11:19-31), he recounts the many hardships he has endured for the sake of the Gospel—beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and danger at every turn. And yet, in all this, he remains faithful.

The Christian life is not easy. Lent itself is not easy. It requires perseverance. St. Paul shows us that faith is not merely about hearing God’s Word but enduring with it, standing firm when trials come, and trusting that God’s grace is sufficient.

If our faith is only superficial, it will wither when trouble comes. But if we allow God to cultivate our hearts, preparing us through repentance, prayer, and self-examination, we will stand firm like St. Paul, bearing fruit that will last.

As we approach Lent, let us take this second Sunday in Pre-Lent as a time for reflection and preparation.

·         Examine Your Heart – What kind of soil are you? Are there places where your heart has grown hardened, distracted, or shallow in faith? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these to you.

·         Commit to Hearing God’s Word – Use this time to renew your devotion to Scripture. Make time for daily reading and meditation on God’s Word.

·         Begin the Work of Repentance – Start now. Don’t wait for Ash Wednesday. Begin to lay aside the distractions, sins, and habits that choke your faith.

·         Prepare to Persevere – Lent will not be easy, just as St. Paul’s journey was not easy. Ask for the grace to endure, to remain steadfast, and to grow in faith.

I look forward to traveling with you all during a blessed Lent.

-Fr. Chris Fish

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Services & Events

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Vestry Meeting, Monday, February 24, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing

Shrove Tuesday – March 4 at 7:00 PM – Evening Prayer service followed by a pancake and champagne supper in the undercroft

Ash Wednesday – March 5 at Noon and 7:00 PM. – Holy Communion service with Imposition of Ashes

Stations of the Cross and Lenten Suppers – Beginning on Friday, March 7, and every Friday at 7:00 p.m. during Lent. If you can provide a soup and bead supper on one of these Friday evenings, please so indicate on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the undercroft

Men's Breakfast & Bible Study, Saturday March 15, 8:30 AM


PLEASE HELP: CURRENT LlST OF NEEDS FOR MaRIH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

Your support is really essential now.  The need is very great and urgent this time of year. With its all volunteer staff, the Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need.

Diapers (sizes newborn, *1, 2, 3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
*Diaper rash ointment
*Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
*Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
*Wash clothes
*Hooded towels
*Fall Winter clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Winter coats 2T
*Grocery gift cards

Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).  Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
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Alexandria, VA 22301-1625