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WAREHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Thoughts on Lent

Dear Friends,

By the time you read this we will be well into Lent. I am hoping
March brings warmer weather and I don't need the mountain of
duvet and extra blankets I have during the frosty nights.

The word Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon 'lencten' meaning to
lengthen, referring to the longer days of Spring. Other languages,
like French, Spanish and Italian use the Latin root 'quadragesima'
based on a word for the number 40. This is perhaps more
accurate, as it reminds us of Jesus being 40 days in the wilderness
enduring temptation and preparing to start His ministry.

During Lent we can prepare for Christ's Passion and Resurrection
at Easter. Christians may replicate Jesus' sacrifice and withdrawal
in the desert. Traditionally in Lent Christians made small sacrifices
in the form of fasting, prayer, almsgiving and simple living. Fasting
ranged from giving up meat, alcohol or a favourite food to eating
only bread and salt for Holy Week.

So we may think of giving up a favourite food, chocolate in my
case, taking more care over our prayers or giving time or money to
help others. Giving time is often the most difficult to do but often
the most rewarding. Ringing or visiting someone who is ill or
housebound may benefit both parties. Maybe we should shift the
emphasis of our prayers so God and others become the focus, or
maybe we should just sit still and open ourselves to God. 'Be still
for the presence of the Lord, the Holy one is here' says the hymn.
As for fasting, shall I or shall I not give up my daily chocolate
biscuit? I'm thinking about it!

Every blessing
Janet

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