Pastor's Reflection 2026-02-19
PASTOR'S REFLECTION
Rev. John Oda
Rev. John Oda
“Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore…” (Galatians 5:1)
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore…” (Galatians 5:1)
We often think of Lent as a season of “giving something up.” This year at Wesley, we’re paying attention to what happens when we give up old habits, old ideas, and old patterns, let go of control and slow down.
Back in 1983 my brother had just finished his first year at the University of Hawaii. I went over for a visit. I suggested that we drive around the entire island and thought it might take us the better part of the morning so we could be back in town for lunch. We were making good time until we got to Ka’ena Point. The paved road ended and in front of us there was an ominous sign that warned us to turn back. (Ka’ena Point was closed to all cars in 1983.) But we were young and naïve, so we went ahead anyway. For 2+ hours we were totally alone, no other cars, no help coming, just a narrow red dirt road with no room for mistakes. The only way through many sections was to go super slow. At one point the road go so narrow and the cliff was so steep, I had to get out, walk ahead of our car, and tell my brother which way to turn the wheel so we wouldn’t slip off the edge. When we looked down there were two wrecked cars at the bottom of the cliff. It was slow going - inch by inch, bit by bit. Our timeline to drive around the entire island and be back for lunch was shot. I had to let go of our schedule, let go of control and simply trust the next small step.
When we finally made it back to civilization, Makaha Beach, I remember feeling a sense of freedom and accomplishment. We sat on the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset together in quiet. This year for Lent at Wesley we invite you into a freedom that comes from slowing down, letting go of control.
“Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”, is an invitation from Jesus to step back and ask: What am I holding onto that’s holding onto me? And then, with gentleness, courage and help from God, we can try to loosen our grip on those things that hold us back. We will try to let go of what grips us so we can find freedom and relearn to trust that God will provide what we truly need.
This Lent isn’t about trying harder. It is about letting go and becoming more freer If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or spiritually dry, come join us this month for “Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”.
Back in 1983 my brother had just finished his first year at the University of Hawaii. I went over for a visit. I suggested that we drive around the entire island and thought it might take us the better part of the morning so we could be back in town for lunch. We were making good time until we got to Ka’ena Point. The paved road ended and in front of us there was an ominous sign that warned us to turn back. (Ka’ena Point was closed to all cars in 1983.) But we were young and naïve, so we went ahead anyway. For 2+ hours we were totally alone, no other cars, no help coming, just a narrow red dirt road with no room for mistakes. The only way through many sections was to go super slow. At one point the road go so narrow and the cliff was so steep, I had to get out, walk ahead of our car, and tell my brother which way to turn the wheel so we wouldn’t slip off the edge. When we looked down there were two wrecked cars at the bottom of the cliff. It was slow going - inch by inch, bit by bit. Our timeline to drive around the entire island and be back for lunch was shot. I had to let go of our schedule, let go of control and simply trust the next small step.
When we finally made it back to civilization, Makaha Beach, I remember feeling a sense of freedom and accomplishment. We sat on the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset together in quiet. This year for Lent at Wesley we invite you into a freedom that comes from slowing down, letting go of control.
“Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”, is an invitation from Jesus to step back and ask: What am I holding onto that’s holding onto me? And then, with gentleness, courage and help from God, we can try to loosen our grip on those things that hold us back. We will try to let go of what grips us so we can find freedom and relearn to trust that God will provide what we truly need.
This Lent isn’t about trying harder. It is about letting go and becoming more freer If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or spiritually dry, come join us this month for “Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”.
Posted in Newsletter 2026-02-19