Greetings in the name of the Triune God,

As we are entering the journey of Great Lent, it is a time for us to reflect on renewal, sacrifice, and the victorious hope we have in Christ.

Great Lent is an imitation of the life of Christ. After His baptism, He went out into the wilderness and there ‘having fasted for forty days and forty nights, he became hungry’ (Matt. 4:2). Christ was the perfect human being and had no disposition to sin, but he needed to give us a model.

Saint John the Damascene made a general observation concerning Lent: ‘Do not weaken Lent, for it is an imitation of Christ’s way of life.’ This season of Lent is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and repentance as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus reminds us: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Great Lent teaches us many things:

1. It is a time of Repentance

Lent invites us to reflect on our hearts and return to our faith in God. Joel 2:12–13 says:
“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments.”

True repentance arises from the heart, focusing on seeking God’s mercy and committing to a righteous life.

2. It is a Time of Prayer

Jesus Himself fasted and prayed for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Through prayer, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a better understanding of His love and grace. We are called to pray as a way to connect with God and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. Prayer helps us become attuned to God's voice, seek forgiveness and grow closer to Him. It's a time for self-reflection and renewal, inviting us to align our lives with God's will. Through prayer, we find comfort, hope and strength in knowing that God is with us. Let us devote ourselves to prayer and embrace God's presence and guidance with open hearts.

3. It is a time to walk with Christ

Lent ultimately leads us to the cross, where Jesus gave His life for our salvation. We need to walk with Christ and after that talk with people in and around us. It is a season of generosity and kindness to the needy. This season readies our hearts for the joy of Easter, celebrating Christ’s triumph over sin and death, encouraging our growth in faith, hope, and love.

These months also mark the transition of seasons – winter giving way to spring – a powerful reflection of the resurrection. Just as nature awakens with new life, our spirits are called to renew our devotion and embrace the newness that comes through Christ.

The Bougainvillea Flower

The Bougainvillea flower is named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French admiral and explorer who led an expedition around the world in the 1760s. During his travels, he discovered the plant in Brazil and brought it to Europe. However, the true credit for identifying the plant goes to Jeanne Baret, a botanist who was disguised as a man to join the expedition.

This bougainvillea changes and flourishes in the right season. Lent is a season of spiritual transformation. It prepares us for the ultimate joy of Easter, just as the flower’s beauty is revealed after its season of growth. Romans 12:2 reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” To thrive, bougainvillea needs pruning to promote new growth, just as Lent serves as a period for spiritual renewal through fasting and self-denial, allowing us to eliminate distractions and embrace God’s grace for deeper faith.

Bougainvillea flourishes in tough environments, reminding us during Lent that faith perseveres through challenges, reflecting Christ’s grace amidst suffering for our salvation. Like the bougainvillea, Lent teaches us that true beauty and growth come through sacrifice, deep roots in faith, and a season of renewal. If we allow God to prune and shape us, our spiritual lives will bloom with His grace, leading us to the joy of resurrection. May this Lenten season help us grow, just like the bougainvillea, into something beautiful in God’s eyes.

As we walk through these months, may we carry the message of the cross in our hearts and live in the power of the resurrection. May this season of renewal inspire us to grow in faith, serve others with love, and proclaim Christ’s victory to the world.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Let us embrace this season with grateful hearts, knowing that our Savior lives and reigns forever!

At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vinoy Achen and family, Noble Achen and family for their love and care towards us. May God continue to use them wherever they are placed.

Rev. Sanju Varghese
Asst. Vicar, Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church,
Chetpet