Preparing Our Hearts for the Lenten Pilgrimage
Dear Beloved Pilgrims,
Welcome to the beginning of our sacred Lenten pilgrimage, a journey that promises to draw us closer to divine intimacy and spiritual renewal. Just as any physical journey requires preparation, intention, and direction, so too does the inner journey toward God’s closeness. Over the next 47 days, we will move through four distinct phases, each mirroring the steps of a real-world pilgrimage, from preparation to arrival at a place of spiritual transformation.
1. The Preparation: Setting Our Intentions (Now – March 4th)
Every great journey begins with preparation, and this is where we begin. In the days leading up to the official start of our Lenten pilgrimage, we will lay the foundation for the journey ahead. This phase will run from today until March 6th, the official start of Lent.
During this time, we will clarify our intentions for the journey, identify the “baggage” we need to release (doubts, distractions, fears) and begin cultivating hearts that are open and ready to receive divine guidance. Through prayer, reflection, and spiritual goal-setting, we will prepare our souls to embark on this sacred path.
In tomorrow’s message, I will share some reflections to guide us through the preparation phase, including:
Who is Jesus?
What is Christianity?
What is Lent? (including insights on the common practices of Lent, such as fasting, prayer, almsgiving, etc.)
2. The Departure: Stepping Into Trust (March 5th – Ash Wednesday)
Once we’ve prepared our hearts and set our intentions, the time will come to take that first step into the unknown. Much like a traveler leaving behind the comfort of familiar surroundings, we are invited to step beyond our comfort zones, embracing the uncertainty that lies ahead. This phase is about trusting in God’s unseen guidance, even when we cannot see the entire road ahead.
The Departure will be on Wednesday, March 5th, which is Ash Wednesday, a holy threshold, the official beginning of Lent.
3. The Pilgrimage: The Inner Work (March 5th – April 19th)
This is the heart of our journey, the core of our transformation. Much like a traveler navigating through rough terrain, you may encounter moments of resistance, doubt, or fatigue along the way. But know that through the shared readings, practices, and support from our Beloved Community, you will break through internal barriers and open yourself to divine whispers. These whispers may not always appear in the way you expect, but they will always lead you closer to God.
This pivotal phase will unfold from March 5th to April 19th, and it will be during this time that you will experience deep personal growth.
4. The Send-Off: Living the Transformation (April 20th – Easter Sunday)
No true journey ends at the destination; it transforms the traveler. As our 47-day pilgrimage comes to completion, we will pause to reflect on how we can carry this deeper connection with God into our daily lives. This phase will invite you to identify spiritual practices to sustain your growth and explore ways to serve others from this newfound place of divine intimacy.
Our Send-Off will occur on Easter Sunday, April 20th.
This officially kicks off our Preparation phase! Tomorrow, I will share foundational insights to help frame our journey:
Who is Jesus?
What is Christianity?
What is Lent? (including fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and other practices)
I am honored to walk alongside you. May this journey be one of profound grace and transformation.
