My Journey Through Lent

I’ve never much bothered about Lent and the practise of giving something up hoping that somehow this small sacrifice will bring me closer to God. With the whole world caught up in so much darkness and despair right now, perhaps I need to rethink my whole approach to these 40 days. After Jesus was baptised he went off into the wilderness for 40 days, working out the implications of his ministry and what it meant to be Jesus. Perhaps Lent is a time for us to ask ourselves; what does it mean to be me?

When I look in the mirror each day to shave or brush my hair what do I see that I like, and what makes me cringe? 

What have I done in my life that makes me proud and what do I most wish I hadn’t done? Such introspection is tough and demanding. I need to get over it; get serious about Lent for once in my life (I’m pointing my finger at me. Not you.)

When reviewing failed friendships was it their fault or mine? I’ve been doing this, with some surprising and sometimes painful results. Do I have things to put right? 

If I’m told I have 2 weeks to live, what will I do with that time?

Do I truly believe that God exists and is there for you? And why do I believe, or not believe?

There’ll be other questions for you to come up with for you to answer; these are a good staring point. The answers will tell you something of who you are and your direction of travel. If you’re honest it’ll be painful at times, and sackcloth and ashes might be involved. Don’t forget though that Easter Day, and an empty tomb is at the other side of the journey.

You may have many years of your life left or a few. Make them count. It’s never too late to make a difference.

May your Journey through Lent be meaningful. And perhaps you could also give up sugar!

A Benediction, attributed to the earliest followers of St Francis (with thanks to Charities Together in Bognor for this prayer).

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen