We begin the month of March this year on the mountaintop on Transfiguration, but then we quickly return down the valley. No sooner than we have come down from the summit, and Ash Wednesday is upon us and the start of the great forty days of Lent. As we journey with Jesus, learn and follow as disciples, and see all that God has done and promises to do, we are invited to respond. This Lenten season in particular, we will be cultivating response. Our response to God in Christ’s love. Our response to our neighbors in need. Our response to all that we see, sense, believe, and wonder through our various vocations. Our response this particular month flows from the Lenten call to return or turn toward God. As we make that move, we are invited to go deeper, to be intentional, and to focus on growing as disciples and stewards of God’s love.

Questions for Reflection:

  • What might be your response this Lenten season for what God in Christ has done, will do, and promises to do for you?
  • As you respond, what are you going to take on and give instead of giving up during Lent?
  • How might God be inviting us to respond?
  • What are two or three ways that you will respond to God and your neighbors, as a beloved Child of God this year?

Suggested Hymns and Songs:

Build a Longer Table (ACS 1062)
My Life Flows on in Endless Song (ELW 763 & WOV 781)
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song (ELW 808)
Lord Whose Love in Humble Service (ELW 712 & LBW 423)
We Give Thee, But Thine Own (ELW 686 & LBW 410)

Other Theme Considerations and Potential Connections:

  • “Cultivating Response” provides an intentional opportunity to ponder and commit to a deeper sense of discipleship, generosity, and stewardship. One starting place for this question might be, “What are you going to give instead of giving up during Lent?” Perhaps this might be a chance to think a little more deeply about what it means to give alms, for example.
  • The March calendar includes Transfiguration Sunday, Ash Wednesday, and the majority of the Lenten season. Additionally, March is also Women’s History Month, has St. Patrick’s Day, the start of spring, and in many contexts, it also means spring break. How might these observances cultivate response?
  • Stay tuned for a coming suggested theme and worship guide for mid-week Lenten worship services that can be used in your faith community and ministry context.