The Way of Trust
This Lent, we will be walking the Way of the Cross. We will follow Jesus’ journey to the cross and reflect on what it really means to follow Him, focussing on a different aspect of that Way of the Cross each of the five Sundays during Lent. We begin the journey with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness in Luke 4. Through being tempted as we are, yet without sin, Jesus shows us The Way of Trust.
Dust and Ashes
Tonight, we will be marked with ashes as a sign of repentance and a reminder of our mortality. These words are sobering, but that’s the whole point—when we are sober, we are more fully aware of reality. And the reality that we face is that we will one day return to the ground from which we were formed, but not without hope.
Bold, but not boastful
In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, we hear how our hope in Jesus gives us boldness by removing the veil between us and God, by restoring our confidence, not in ourselves but in Him, and by inspiring us to reflect Christ ourselves.
When our hope is in Christ, we can live and speak boldly, no matter the circumstances.
Rejoice, release, rest
Everything we have—our food, our work, our families, our community, and even our faith—are gifts from God. He is the one who provides, sustains, and nourishes us, both physically and spiritually. Yet true thanksgiving is more than a day of celebration; it is a way of life. Paul calls us to rejoice always, to release anxiety through prayer, and to rest in God’s peace.
A fork in the road
We like to believe we’re in control, but Jeremiah 17 reveals the truth. Those who rely on their own strength are like a withered bush in the desert, struggling to survive. Those who trust in the Lord are like a tree planted by the water, thriving even in drought. Our hearts deceive us, leading us astray, but God searches, knows, and transforms us. True security is not found in self-reliance but in God’s grace. He plants us, nourishes us, and sustains us. When life’s choices come, where will you place your trust?
Deep waters, deeper grace
Jesus calls Simon Peter from his familiar life of fishing into deeper trust and discipleship. Despite empty nets and weary hearts, Simon obeys Jesus’ word and experiences an overwhelming catch, revealing God’s abundant grace. This mirrors the Church today—facing decline and uncertainty, yet called to trust in Christ rather than cling to old structures. Following Jesus requires surrender, listening to His voice, and stepping into the unknown. As we embrace His call, He transforms us, just as He did with Simon. May we trust in His leading, even when it feels risky, knowing He provides all we need.
The greatest of these is love
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 reveal that love is the foundation of Christian life. Without love, even the greatest gifts—eloquence, faith, or sacrifice—are meaningless. True love, described as patient, kind, humble, and selfless, reflects Christ’s love for us. Unlike spiritual gifts that will fade, love is eternal, enduring beyond this life into God’s kingdom. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection reveal this perfect love, calling us to embody it daily. As we receive His love, we are empowered to reflect it in our relationships, glorifying God and bringing His light into a world in desperate need of love.
The first sign
Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana reveals His divine power through something as ordinary as water turned into wine. This sign points to His role as the true bridegroom of the Church, demonstrating His abundant love and provision. God’s glory is revealed in simple, everyday things, showing that His grace is not just sufficient but overflowing. Miracles and worship are not just for spectacle but to strengthen faith. Like the disciples who believed after witnessing this sign, we are invited to trust in Jesus, who provides more than we need and reveals God’s abundant grace to us.
Clothed in Christ
As people who have been clothed with the love of Christ in baptism, we are called to live in that love every day. Christmas is a great reminder of that love, but how can we carry the joy of Christmas into every day? In Christ, we are clothed with compassion, freed by forgiveness, and we persevere in peace.
The gift of grace
On this special day, we celebrate the gift of grace. God’s saving grace, revealed to us in this baby born in Bethlehem, is the greatest gift we could ever receive. God’s grace appeared to save us. God’s grace renews and transforms us. God’s grace gives us hope for our future.