By Charlie Nichols, Connectional Lay Organization Chaplain
When we walk into an African Methodist Episcopal Church, we often pause at the chancel rail and notice the sacred words engraved there: “Do this in remembrance of me.” These words are more than an inscription; they are an invitation to remember. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when the sign of the cross is gently placed on our foreheads with ashes made from last year’s palm branches. It is a symbol of humility, repentance, and renewal. It is also a reminder that we belong to God and are called to turn our hearts back to him.
As the Lenten journey progressed, we arrived at the most sacred days of the Christian faith. Maundy Thursday reminds us of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, when he washed their feet and gave the new command to love one another. Good Friday calls us to solemn reflection as we remember the cross, where Jesus took on the burden of our sins. Then, on Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead still works within us today. Death could not hold him, and because he lives, we too have victory and hope.
Lent is more than a ritual; it is a sacred season of renewal. It mirrors Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, and forty days of prayer, struggle, and triumph. During this time, we are invited to deepen our walk with Christ by focusing on Self, God, and Others.
- Focus on Self: We practice self-denial, giving up something that brings us comfort or distraction. In doing so, we share in Christ’s wilderness experience, learning discipline and dependence on God.
- Focus on God: We draw closer to him through daily prayer, scripture reading, and acts of quiet devotion, allowing his Spirit to shape our hearts into Christlikeness.
- Focus on Others: We open our hands and hearts to those in need, giving alms, serving at shelters, feeding families, and showing mercy to those who are less fortunate, and the living expression of love that Christ modeled for us.
When we consider what our Savior gave on that hill called Calvary, his body, his blood, his very life, we cannot help but respond with gratitude and renewed faith. Lent helps us prepare our hearts to celebrate his resurrection with joy and sincerity. For forty days, we lay aside distractions, surrendering our desires so that our spirits may be refreshed by his presence.
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. He was beaten and mocked, crucified and buried in a borrowed tomb. But on the third day, He rose again, declaring all power in his hands. His resurrection is the heart of our hope and the anchor of our faith. It proclaims that sin is conquered, death is defeated, and eternal life is assured for all who believe.
Christ’s resurrection also fulfills the Connectional Lay Organization’s theme as found in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,…”
During the Lenten season, let us remember that same power is still at work, shaping us, sustaining us, and preparing us for the joy of Resurrection morning.
Thank you for this thoughtful reflection, Charlie! While reading your article, the word, “transformation” resonates with me. Additionally, the message, “Do this in remembrance of me,” call us to reflect Christ in both our personal walk and our public witness.
For me, the true measure of Lent is not simply what we give up, but what we take on, greater prayer, deeper discipleship, stronger service, and a renewed commitment to justice, mercy, and love for our neighbors. The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the grave is still at work within us, supposedly; and empowering us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs hope. This is missing so badly and I’ve been in prayer for us – the Church.
May we continue beyond the Lenten season with hearts committed to serving God, uplifting others, and building the Kingdom through faithful action.