The season of Lent is upon us once more, a season which coincides with springtime and the rebirth of nature and new life which we see all around us. In my own garden daffodils have emerged from the soil. The church also desires that each of us grow spiritually and experience a reawakening of our relationship with God during the forty days of Lent, which culminate at Easter.
The purpose of Lent is not to make us feel disheartened or uncomfortable in the way we live out our faith, but it is a call to self-examination and for taking a fresh look at our attitude and behaviour towards others. Unconsciously, if we are not careful, we can little by little become self-centred and lapse into an ‘indifference to others,’ as I once heard someone call it. Our Christian belief, doesn’t allow us to pass by on the other side and so ignore the needs and sufferings of those around us.
The nature of Lent is not intended to punish us, but to remind us of our need for God’s grace and of our obligation to put others before ourselves.
The problems and tragedies of the world can at times though, appear to overwhelm us, and leave us with a sense of helplessness, but we must never underestimate the power of prayer effect situations. To know the gift of prayer and its unfailing power is one of the greatest gifts of Lent.
As we embark on our Lenten journey this year, may we be cheerful and of good heart. Let us thank God for this time of grace and for the opportunity to grow spiritually ourselves, while being conscious of others who may need our help.
God wants only what is best for us, and he has given us his only Son as proof of that. Let us keep our gaze firmly fixed on Jesus this Lent, both as a Church and as individuals, as we pray for ourselves, others, and our world.
Every blessing,
Pastor Steve