What comes to mind when you think about February? Top of my mind is daffodils, and those lovely sunny days when the promise of spring is in the air. The days begin to lengthen more rapidly and there is a feeling of hope and energy on its way.
Often, including this year, Lent begins in February. I remember the first time I went to a Lent group at St Margaret’s, we were all asked the question, “What do you hope to get out of the group?” I replied, “I’m hoping to get to know people better.” For me, a small group is the best way to deepen relationships. We start with coffee and chat, and then move on to talking about our faith. This year we are going to use the book by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, “The things he carried.” Archbishop Stephen describes his book as more poetry than prose as he meditates on how Jesus might have been feeling on the last day of his life, as the cross and crown of thorns are laid on him and his robe taken away. As well as those objects, hopes, sins and sorrows are carried by him, too. The questions at the end of each chapter start with “How do you feel when… “. We like to ring the changes, and this is a book of the heart more than the head. If groups are not for you, or you can’t make the time, it is still an excellent book to lead you through Lent. £6.89 new, less than £3.00 including postage, used.
The other thing I associate with Lent is giving things up. What would God most like you to do for him this Lent? The year I gave up caffeine revealed to me an unexpected dependence – that was the hardest in terms of craving. The year I gave up meat, in company with others, was the first step in a permanent change in lifestyle. Sometimes I have been too hard on myself. Other times I haven’t quite got to grips with it – usually because I only started to think about it on Shrove Tuesday! So here is your reminder (and mine) – we have two weeks to pray about this. What would God like you to abstain from or take up this Lent? What would give you the joy of coming closer to him?
Advent is a difficult season, but the world lets us prepare quietly for the sadness of Holy Week and the joy of Easter. (Happily Mothering Sunday falls on Refreshment Sunday, when traditionally the Lenten fast can be broken).
So let’s begin anew. The whisper of spring, the preparation of ourselves for meeting once again the crucified Jesus and the risen Christ. The renewal of hope.
May your Lent be holy and joyful
Rev Sue
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 