Dear all ,

As we enter the season of Lent I cannot help recalling my visit to the Mount of Temptation whilst I was on pilgrimage in the Holy Land . We travelled up from Jericho by cable car to a point which allowed us to look out over the land below. We were reminded that the devil tempted Jesus by showing him a similar view and offering it all to him if Jesus would worship him. Jesus replied, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”’

Self-control and worship: a strange combination, but two things which can help to give us a proper focus for Lent.

Self-control is about more than resisting the chocolate biscuits! It is about having control over the time you give to God during the forty or so days leading to Easter. How have you resolved to use this God-given time, sometimes called ‘God’s Springtime’? Perhaps in joining in one of the Lent Groups which are meeting in the parish? Possibly by selecting one of the many Lent books which are available, or by setting aside some time for some extra Bible reading. That could quite simply be looking again at the Sunday morning readings and reflecting on them.

You also have control over the time you give to prayer and worship. Lent is a good time to look again at your pattern of prayer and perhaps to try something different. Morning Prayer times are advertised, as well as the times of the weekday Eucharists. Perhaps you can attend Stations of the Cross every Friday evening during Lent? Also, you have control over your pattern of Sunday worship: why not endeavour to do all you can to join with one of our worshipping communities on each of the Sundays of Lent?

Lent is a wonderful time to draw closer to God, and self-control and worship are excellent tools to do that!

Yours in Christ,

 

Father Bob  

 

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