Hope Springs Eternal

Author: Alan Bentrup

Sermons from the Rev. Alan D. Bentrup, rector of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller, Texas.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en-us

Genres: Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Your Lent Practice Is Useless Without This One Thing
Sunday, 22 February, 2026

What does Lent really mean? Sometimes it’s not found in grand gestures or perfect spiritual disciplines, but in ordinary interruptions.In this Ash Wednesday reflection, I share a simple encounter at the gym that completely reframed how I see Lent. An old friend, recovering from surgery and carrying concern for his wife’s upcoming procedure, asked me to pray for him. It happened because my routine had shifted. A different gym. A different time. An unexpected moment.Lent is a season of disruption. Ash Wednesday reminds us, “Remember that you are dust.” Not to shame us, but to wake us up. To slow us down. To make us interruptible by grace.In this video, we explore:The spiritual meaning of Ash WednesdayWhy Lent is about more than giving something upHow routine keeps us on autopilotWhat it means to be present to God and othersFinding holy moments in ordinary lifeIf you are looking for a thoughtful Christian reflection on Lent, spiritual growth, prayer, and everyday faith, this message is for you.#AshWednesday #LentReflection #ChristianLife #Prayer #FaithInEverydayLife #SpiritualGrowth