Zetland Park Methodist Church Pastoral Letters
February 2015
Lent
Lent, which starts on 18th February, is generally perceived in a very negative way, as a season of giving things up, fasting and depriving ourselves of any pleasure. In some churches this is exacerbated by an almost morbid focus on the passion of our Lord for the better part of six weeks.
But traditionally Lent has been a season of preparation, through study, prayer and fasting, so that the believer is in a better state to celebrate Jesus as risen Lord and his victory over sin and death on Easter Sunday.
And while it is true that our Lord's own temptation in the wilderness is often the starting point for our own self-examination, let us not fall into the trap of seeing it as God's way of trying to make us miserable. Rather let us see it as the place from which we daily seek to walk in God's way, rather than our own, and follow Jesus' example and teaching. As such it should be a very positive and creative season where our faith and commitment constantly grows - like a Spiritual Spring! And if facing and resisting temptations to go our own way seems to us as difficult, let us not forget that as God sent his angels to minister to Jesus so we too are never left without the help, encouragement and support of God's angels (in human or heavenly form!) and of the Holy Spirit.
Lent should be an exciting time as we grow and prepare to acclaim Jesus again as our risen Lord, in our lives and communities.
And rather than focussing on giving something up for Lent how about doing something new or extra, daily doing something extra to help and encourage others or joining in something like Christian Aid's "Count your Blessings" so as to bring aid to those who are really in need.
May this Lent be an enriching season for you and a blessing for others through you.