On March 9th, the First Sunday in Lent this year, Julia began her Lenten theme of “Giving Up…” _which nineteen of us heard. Everyone was given along with the weekly bulletin a small bulletin which said “Giving Up…Greed.” _We heard the scripture Luke 12:13-24 where the rich man built larger bins to contain all of his grain, thus showing greed. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins and is when we continue seeking things that we really do not need or require for our very existence. There are antidotes to greed which include giving to others, figuring out what we really need, having more justice for and to all. So overcoming greed is the self-emptying of what we do not need as we at the same time seek what we really require which is belonging, acceptance, and love. And this is a journey not a moment as change requires time.
Then on March 16th, eighteen of us joined with Julia for worship. This Sunday, Julia’s message was entitled “Giving Up…Envy.” _Envy is different from jealousy and is defined as “a feeling of discontentment or resentful longing by someone else’s qualities or situation.” _We have no doubt heard the scripture Luke 10:38-42 many times in our lives which speaks of the sisters Martha and Mary. Martha is busy showing hospitality to the guests while Mary sits at Jesus’ _feet listening to what he is saying. Martha is envious of Mary for doing this and addresses Jesus rather than Mary directly. And Jesus responds to Martha about what is upon her heart for Martha is envious for she does not think she is equal to Mary, in other words, being envious of her sister. Some antidotes to envy include: gratitude; knowing we are enough; and simplicity.
What has everyone been “Giving Up…” _this Lenten season? Remember that giving up is “based on the theological word kenosis which is the act of giving up something or self-emptying…in order to discover one’s true self” _(definition from a previous newsletter).