Our Little Roses Presents Lenten Reflections With Rev. Lizzie Robbins
As we approach the holy season of Lent, we are invited to embark on a journey of reflection and renewal. This season offers us an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus Christ, to deepen our understanding of his sacrifice, and to grow in our faith. To guide us on this journey, we are pleased to introduce a series of Lenten reflections by Rev. Lizzie Robbins. Rev. Robbins is a gifted preacher and teacher who has dedicated her life to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Her reflections will be a source of inspiration, challenge, and encouragement for all of us as we seek to grow in our faith during this sacred season.
Lent is a time of reflection, a time to look inward and examine our lives in light of the gospel. It is a season of penitence and repentance, but also of hope and renewal. As we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are invited to consider the ways in which we have fallen short of God’s call and to recommit ourselves to following him more faithfully.
Lenten practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help us to focus our hearts and minds on God. By intentionally setting aside time for these practices, we create space for rich meditation on the life of Christ and for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. As we fast from certain foods or activities, we are reminded of our dependence on God and our need for his grace. As we pray more intentionally, we open ourselves to God’s presence and guidance. As we give generously to others, we reflect God’s love and care for all people.
Rev. Robbins’ reflections will draw on these Lenten practices and on the rich tradition of Christian spirituality. She will invite us to reflect on the themes of repentance, forgiveness, sacrifice, and renewal, and to consider how these themes are woven into the story of Jesus Christ. Through her preaching and teaching, we will be challenged to grow in our faith. Also, to deepen our commitment to Christ, and to live more fully in the light of his love.
I invite you to join us on this journey of reflection and renewal. Let us set aside this holy season to draw closer to Jesus Christ and to allow his love to transform us from within. May Rev. Robbins’ reflections be a source of inspiration and guidance as we seek to live more faithfully as disciples of Christ.
First Lenten Reflection
Jesus goes into the desert at a pinnacle moment in his life: it’s the interlude between his baptism and starting his ministry. He knows God has called him for a special mission but doesn’t know the details yet. He needs a time of prayer and reflection in order to gain clarity of what God wants him to do.
We all have periods where we need space to discern our next steps. Maybe it’s a spiritual retreat or taking some time off between finishing one job and starting a new one. Jesus shows us that these times are not always peaceful or easy. We may have to face difficult choices that call into question our identity or purpose.
While Jesus is in the desert, he is tempted to deny his humanity by becoming all-powerful. Worldly power will do whatever it can to assert its power over people. It uses control, fear, violence, bribery and domination in order to get what it wants. Jesus has the choice to be more powerful than any king or emperor—if only he will bow to Satan, who exemplifies the greed of worldly power. But Jesus chooses another way.
Each time Satan uses trickery to try to get Jesus to abandon his integrity, Jesus rebukes him. With the words of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus shows himself to be obedient to God and embraces his own human nature. Jesus chooses to remain small and meek, to be truly human, in order to live like us and show us new possibilities for how to live in a broken and spiritually starved society. He knows his ministry is not about proving anything to the masses, but about loving people who the world has abandoned. Jesus’s time of temptation in the desert refines his understanding of the ministry he is about to launch: a ministry of being with people rather than in power over people.
When we experience times of desolation in our grief and pain, Jesus walks with us. He knows what it is like to be vulnerable, as all humans are. He leans into that vulnerability by doing things that shock those around him. He hangs out with tax collectors, the poor, Gentiles and other people seen as undesirable. He travels with next to nothing while relying on the good will of strangers. He comes with the word of truth and encourages his followers to love their enemies, rather than wielding the sword against them. And he asks us to do the same: to soften instead of steeling ourselves. Living this way puts us at risk. When we trust someone, we know we may be let down and when we help someone, we know that despite our best efforts, they may continue to struggle.
When we follow Jesus, we give up controlling the outcome of our efforts. We are not called to make things go right. That is impossible. We serve God by acting in good faith, loving those in need and trusting that in the wholeness of time, God will make all things right.
This Lent, Please Donate To Our Little Roses As An Act of Almsgiving
As we conclude Rev. Lizzie Robbins’ first Lenten reflection, we are reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the ways in which we are called to respond. Lent is a season of reflection and renewal, a time to draw closer to God and to grow in our faith.
At Our Little Roses, we are committed to living out this call to love and service. We believe that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and we are dedicated to providing just that to the girls in our care. Through education, healthcare, and counseling, we seek to empower these girls to reach their full potential and to become leaders in their communities.
But we cannot do this work alone. As we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the call to love our neighbors as ourselves, we invite you to join us in supporting the girls of Our Little Roses. Your donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of these girls, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.
So as we continue on this Lenten journey, let us remember the call to love and service that Jesus has given us. Let us respond with generosity and compassion, supporting the work of Our Little Roses and helping to transform the lives of these girls. Together, we can make a difference in the world and share the love of Christ with those around us.
Thank you for your support and blessings to you all!