Saturday, March 7

Psalm 106:1-27 and Mark 8:22-30

Hope, Encouragement and Inspiration
Brenda Lester

The season of Lent has taken on new meaning for me this year. Tom and I are rehearsing with the Chancel Choir and Masterwork Chorale in preparation for the presentation of Bach’s St. John Passion.

This is not just an effort to learn notes and dynamics. As we practice, Stan and Bob explain how Bach’s genius portrays the setting of Christ’s Passion. They showed us how he uses dissonance, and agitating rhythms to depict the mass hysteria of the crowds, and then dance-like music when they were mocking and jeering Jesus. We hear Peter’s aria expressing the agony and sorrow of his denial.

Singing this great masterpiece has encouraged me to encounter, personally, the sacrifice Jesus made for us and to reflect on how to express my gratitude during this Lenten Season — perhaps in some new ways — so rather than giving “up” something for Lent I feel led to give “back” — to be more aware of the suffering around us and to find a way to do my part to alleviate or lessen it — and to spend more time with the scriptures, especially the Gospel of John, for refreshment and direction.

But this meaningful music is not just the story of Jesus’ tragic last days on earth. When I flip through the pages of the St. John, I am reminded that woven into the story of the Passion are the soothing familiar tunes and words of the Bach Chorales which reassure us that our loving God is in charge and we can trust Him in every situation just as Jesus did.

So this year Lent offers me hope for the days ahead, encouragement to reach out, and inspiration to refresh my faith as we prepare for the Day of Resurrection.

I am a retired elementary teacher. Tom and I have two married daughters, three perfect granddaughters and one spoiled Bichon Frise. We love to explore this extraordinary country in our RV. We are lifelong Methodists and have been active in several neighborhood UM churches during our 50 years in the San Diego area. We joined First Church in 2007. There is a Christ-like spirit of hospitality here and we feel so blessed by the traditional worship, the glorious music, uplifting sermons and the opportunities for meaningful service.