From the Vicarage
February already: New Year’s resolutions made and probably already broken. In a couple of weeks we begin the season of Lent and maybe think about what we might give up. I am not sure that we always get the general idea about Lent, one child thought he might give up hitting his sister.
The idea is to enter into the experience Jesus had when he fasted in the wilderness and was tempted, so I m not really sure that has much to do with giving up chocolate biscuits at all.
The whole point was that despite his dreadful hunger, Jesus refused to use his power for himself: nor would he put God to the test or worship any other than God – not even for all the riches and wealth of the world. In all his experiences Jesus put God first and not himself.
So instead of giving up something this Lent, how about seeking God’s will for your life and putting him first. Why not take up saying your prayers every day, and listening to what God has to say to you – read your Bible, attend Church every Sunday and put God first.
If you must give something up, then why not save the money you would have spent and give that to charity, so someone benefits - not just your pocket. And how about taking to heart how God wants us to behave towards others – as we would have them treat us. Let’s make sure that Lent makes a difference to our lives, and our relationship with God.
Margaret
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February 2012 Parish Magazine