Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 22 The Church’s One Foundation

Scripture:

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11

Hymn Focus:

The Church’s One Foundation

“The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.”

“She waits the consummation of peace forevermore.”

Lent turns our attention to what truly lasts. As we examine our lives and our communities, the hymn The Church’s One Foundation calls us back to the bedrock of faith: Jesus Christ himself. In a season that strips away pretense and pride, we are reminded that the church is not built on human strength, success, or unity of opinion, but on Christ alone.

The hymn speaks honestly about struggle. It names toil, tribulation, and division, acknowledging that the church on earth is imperfect and often weary. Lent gives us permission to see these realities clearly—both in the wider church and in our own hearts—without losing hope. The foundation does not shift, even when the walls feel fragile.

To confess that Christ is the foundation is also to accept a call. Lent invites us to align our lives with the One on whom we stand. If Christ is the foundation, then humility, repentance, and love must shape both our personal discipleship and our shared life together.

The hymn looks beyond present struggle toward promised peace. “She waits the consummation of peace forevermore.” Lent teaches us to live in that in-between space—honest about brokenness, steadfast in hope—trusting that Christ, the foundation, will bring his work to completion.

Prayer

Faithful Christ, Foundation of your church and our lives, in this Lenten season strip away what is false and fragile in us. Renew us in repentance and hope, that we may be built more firmly on you. Strengthen your church in faith and love, as we wait with trust for the peace you promise. Amen.