First Sunday in Lent
The entire season of Lent is “the day of salvation.” The day dawns at the beginning of Lent, the sun rises at Easter, and the sun reaches its zenith at Pentecost. Since now is the day of salvation, we are to make full use of the Word, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and truly prepare to walk in newness of life. This preparation requires that God sanctifies our heart and cleanse it of sin and self-love.
Our life is a battle zone in which God’s Word fights against the devil’s temptations. Psalm 91 is our song of battle throughout Lent. For we do not fight against earthly enemies but against the powers of darkness. Though many fall into unbelief, God’s children are covered by His wings and the sword of the Word gives them confidence in the fight, for God is our strength.
The Introit: Today’s Introit [entrance verse] is a song of trusting faith. The battle against sin and error brings trials, but we may call upon God and He will answer with the victory of faith. Life on earth may be long or short; but God blesses the believer with salvation and he/she is safe under the shadow of almighty God.
The Collect: This prayer is the key to our triumph over our spiritual enemies. Jesus has fought and won the battle with the enemy. Believers dwell with Jesus and walk in His grace and power, given through His Word. God is able to defend us; but it means that as God’s children the battle against us intensifies, so that we need His help.
The Gradual repeats the promise of God that the devil quoted from Psalm 91. God’s angels do protect us in our fight against Satan so that God is our Refuge and Strength.
The Paraments are purple to symbolize the season of true repentance that is an important part of preparing to celebrate Easter. For we need to know how greatly we have sinned against God’s law and how much we deserve God’s eternal wrath, so that we can truly appreciate the salvation that Jesus won for all people on the cross and trust in His promise of eternal life in heaven.