THEOLOGICAL CLUE

Lent is structured so that those who keep it will go through devotional exercises designed to bring about conversion of the penitent to the life in Christ. Lent is really the altar (font) call of the church, at which the believers will find forgiveness of their sins and renewal of the gifts God gives in baptism to those who will have him as their God in Jesus Christ. Sunday is seen in the Roman Church, as always, from a sacramental perspective; some pastors in other churches approach Lent in much the same way; all see renewal of the baptismal covenant as the goal of going through Lent to Easter. The framework is eucharistic and baptismal; this should be kept in mind when preaching through the rest of Lent.

The Prayer of the Day
The first of two LBW prayers for the Secon…