By Reverend Andy Fleming, Chaplain

I am enjoying ice baths. This is probably a rather odd way to begin this week’s reflection, but since Christmas I have been doing a cold plunge around four mornings each week. I have been able to get the temperature to 8 degrees, and once in, I feel comfortable to stay for over 10 minutes. I currently have a relative from Queensland staying with us, who thinks this is the craziest of ideas.

One of the aspects of sitting in the water that I have come to value, is that it provides space and time, a small period of solitude, in which I can be still and contemplate. During this Lenten season, I am trying to make time to spend in conversation with God. The ice bath has become one avenue in which I can do this. Perhaps it’s the cold water heightening my senses, but I find that I am more alert to focus on my relationship with Jesus.

In Matthew 16:13-20, the disciple Peter’s revelation is heard, declaring Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, in response to Jesus' question, “who do you say that I am?” Peter knows this because of his own spiritual journey, starting with Jesus calling him from his fishing boat to follow him. Peter has come to know who Jesus is, enjoying a ‘front row seat’ to Jesus’ ministry, building his understanding from his own experiences, such as being pulled out of the water after walking on it himself. Peter has become well aware of who Jesus truly is and his purpose. Now Jesus provides Peter with a purpose.

Like Peter, we are invited to make space ourselves to pause and reflect on our own spiritual journeys, where we may have encountered God and experienced God’s presence at work in our lives. Whether you find the need for icy water to bring clarity, or by another means, Lent just happens to be the perfect opportunity to contemplate our journey and relationship with God. An opportunity to draw closer to God.

Peter’s journey and revelation reminds us that faith is dynamic. We too are on our own journeys. As we look back over our journeys my hope is that each of us will share in the revelation in the same way that Peter did, and in so doing, grow in our relationship with God and allow God to affirm our own sense of purpose.

A Lenten Prayer

Adapted from Pastor Evie Doyon

What is it you ask of us, God,
during Lent?

To return to you?
not “return to your buildings”,
not “return to your old ways”,
not “return to all the clutter”,
not “return to what was”,
but to return to you?
re-turn to you?
With all our hearts?
no attachments, no idols?

May the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen

Go in peace,

Rev. Andy