As we step into the month of March, our hearts naturally begin to turn toward Easter—a time of hope, renewal, and deep reflection. Lent, in particular, invites us to slow down, look inward, and reconnect with the love that Jesus teaches us so beautifully. It’s a season of quiet patience, of turning our hearts toward God’s grace, and of learning to love more fully—both ourselves and others. As we walk this spiritual journey, we are reminded that love isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. Lent calls us to reflect on how we can embody the love of Jesus in our daily lives, especially as we prepare to celebrate His resurrection.

At the core of this season is Jesus’ command to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This isn’t just about feeling warm and fuzzy inside; it’s about actively choosing love—especially when it’s hard.

Lent challenges us to think about how we love those around us, including the difficult ones,  ones that are different or who live or believe differently than us, the ones who hurt us, strangers from strange lands or the strangers we meet.

It’s a call to be more patient, more forgiving, and more generous—mirroring the love Jesus shows us every day.

Many of us find comfort and guidance in the prayers of the Book of Common Prayer during this season. One prayer that resonates deeply is the Collect for Purity, which begins, “Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden…” It’s a prayer about opening ourselves to God’s transforming love, asking for help to love Him wholeheartedly and to reflect that love in our actions.

We are striving to EMBODY the loving energy.

Lent is a time to be honest with ourselves, to acknowledge the ways we fall short, and to trust that God’s love can renew and reshape us. It’s a gentle reminder that our journey toward Easter isn’t about perfection, but about openness and willingness to grow.

As we move through Lent, the teachings of Jesus continue to inspire us—especially His words in Luke 6:27-36: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

That’s a tall order, isn’t it? But it’s also the heart of His message—love that extends beyond our comfort zone. It’s a love that forgives, that seeks reconciliation, and that embodies grace. Walking this path might not always be easy, but it’s where we find the true depth of Jesus’ love. And as we prepare to enter Holy Week, these words remind us that love is the foundation of everything we do.

In these quiet days of Lent, as we look forward to Easter, let’s hold on to the hope that Jesus’ love is always with us—guiding, healing, and transforming us. May this season be a time of gentle reflection, of opening our hearts wider to love others as Jesus loves us. And as we celebrate the resurrection, let’s carry that love out into the world, shining with the same grace and compassion that Jesus modeled for us. After all, love isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are becoming, step by step, in His loving presence.