Pastor's Reflection 2025-02-20
Rev. John Oda
Living Lightly – Lent at Wesley: Letting Go, Letting God.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Lent marks the start of a season of self-examination, prayer, and renewal. For centuries, Christians have observed these forty days leading up to Easter as a time to focus on our relationship with God, reexamine priorities, and let go of what distracts us from a deeper faith. Traditionally, Lent is associated with giving something up as a spiritual discipline. But at its heart, Lent is about making more room for God in our lives.
We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more—more success, more control, more possessions. Yet Jesus calls us to something radically different. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Lent is our opportunity to embrace this invitation - to set aside the weight of unnecessary worries, fears, anxieties and walk more freely in faith.
This year at Wesley, our Lenten theme is “Living Lightly – Lent at Wesley.” Each week, we’ll explore different aspects of what it means to live lightly—to release what holds us back and embrace a simpler, freer, and more trusting way of living. Whether it’s decluttering our physical spaces, letting go of worry, forgiving past hurts, or surrendering our need for control, Lent reminds us that when we loosen our grip, we make more space for God’s presence.
I invite you to walk this Lenten path with us. Whether you choose to give up something, take on a new spiritual practice, or simply listen with an open heart, may this season be one where you experience the peace, renewal, and freedom that comes with letting go and living more lightly. Together, let’s move toward Easter with open lightened lives - ready to receive the new life God has in store for us.
— Pastor John
We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more—more success, more control, more possessions. Yet Jesus calls us to something radically different. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Lent is our opportunity to embrace this invitation - to set aside the weight of unnecessary worries, fears, anxieties and walk more freely in faith.
This year at Wesley, our Lenten theme is “Living Lightly – Lent at Wesley.” Each week, we’ll explore different aspects of what it means to live lightly—to release what holds us back and embrace a simpler, freer, and more trusting way of living. Whether it’s decluttering our physical spaces, letting go of worry, forgiving past hurts, or surrendering our need for control, Lent reminds us that when we loosen our grip, we make more space for God’s presence.
I invite you to walk this Lenten path with us. Whether you choose to give up something, take on a new spiritual practice, or simply listen with an open heart, may this season be one where you experience the peace, renewal, and freedom that comes with letting go and living more lightly. Together, let’s move toward Easter with open lightened lives - ready to receive the new life God has in store for us.
— Pastor John
Posted in Newsletter 2025-02-20