Welcome to our March newsletter

The season of Lent is upon us and the big question is ‘What are you going to do for Lent this year?’ On Facebook, on chat shows, in conversation, as a nation we engage with the question, valuing the opportunity to exert a new self discipline upon our lives.

Lent comes from the Christian discipline of reflecting upon Jesus’ forty days in the desert, where he fasted and prayed, seeking God’s direction for the ministry that lay before him, and choosing to commit himself to the pathway of sacrifice and love, rather than self aggrandisement and fame. Traditionally the understanding of fasting was to do without the luxuries of life, to remind us that our joy was in God alone, and the idea of giving something up for Lent came from that. In 2007 a new understanding of engaging with Lent was launched. In place of Lent being a time of self denial and penitence the idea that Lent could be a time of positive engagement was promoted in a little book called ‘Love Life Live Lent,’ and encouraged a whole new generation of people to engage with the season.

In a world where we often feel powerless to make a difference ‘Love Life Live Lent’ encourages us to be builders of a better world, and in the spirit of St. David, to focus on the little things we can do daily that will make a difference. Everything from feeding the birds to picking up litter, of offering to babysit for a friend or taking a cake round to a neighbour, is encouraged. It seems so obvious! But it’s surprising when you stop to think about it, to realise that you may have got out of the habit of actually doing good! We need to be proactive, to be contributors to the world rather than just consumers. The idea is that every act of love we do helps keep our communities as places of trust and friendship, and helps bring the values of the kingdom of God into our world. In 1 Timothy 6:18 we read ‘They are to do good, be rich in good works, be generous, and ready to share.’

I have always found that observing Lent, and allowing it to be a time of spiritual focus and active involvement is wonderfully refreshing. I do pray that you will be uplifted as you engage with whatever task you choose to undertake this year.