The Good News From the Office of the Bishop The Rt. Rev. Mark LaHime, 8th Bishop of Alaska Lent 2013 Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, 1205 Denali Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 ~ www.episcopalak.org ~
[email protected] Lent 2013 I pray that as you read this edion of the “Good News” you are enjoying a meaningful Lenten Season. Please keep in mind that the season of Lent is not intended to be a period of penitent fear and anxious brooding under the scruny of an angry God such that it seems the only purpose you can find in observing Lent is to “get it right by Easter or get sent to Hell.” Although that is the message o en “preached” in many churches, there is nothing especially orthodox about this theological perspecve of God as divine punisher for sin. In fact, one might argue that this perspecve draws into queson the uncondional mercy and love of God who alone can make in us new and contrite hearts. It is God’s love, freely given and unearned, that sets us free not only for the hope of a place in heaven, but to serve God’s mission of jusce and peace on earth. Lent is a season for leng go of the fears and bonds that hold us back from receiving God’s love to be transformed in our hearts and in our lives for the service of God’s jusce and peace. Hymn 145 from the Hymnal 1982, words by Percy Dearmer, which is found in the “Lent” secon of the hymnal, sounds this Lenten Theme: “Now quit your care and anxious fear and worry; for schemes are vain and freng brings no gain.