As we make our way through the Church’s year, on the 17th February we come to another one of its most significant days – we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, when we are reminded to reflect on how we have strayed from the right path and how we should be making an effort to get back on it in our preparation for Easter.
We all know about the tradition of giving something up for Lent; why not this year look at our Lenten observance in a different way? Instead of, or perhaps as well as, depriving ourselves of a treat, let us make an effort to do something extra to help someone who is in need. To do this brings us closer to the Lord and invites Him to come into the routine of our daily lives.
Also, what about setting time aside each day for private prayer? What about, if it is convenient, joining in the Prayer Session in church on Saturdays?
In normal times we follow the Stations of the Cross each week in church; why not take some time to follow the Stations in private prayer in your own home?
We talk about “practising” our Faith. Practice means doing something extra so that we can improve – “Practice makes Perfect”. Let us all make an extra effort to practise our Faith as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday.
Keep well and keep safe.
God Bless
January
“As with gladness, men of old, did the guiding star behold”.
On the 6th of this month we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise Men to greet and to worship the Christ Child – God made Man. This story is here in the Gospels for a purpose – the Wise Men came from “country far”, they were foreigners, we are being told very clearly that Jesus came into the world to save all mankind.
They brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh for the new arrival. There is a lovely folk tale that Jesus ignored the gold, liked the aroma from the incense and touched the myrrh.
What is the message in this story? Just how important is money in our lives? Do we let it dominate us or is it in its rightful place, just a means to an end? Incense is a part of our acts of worship, the fragrant smoke represents our prayers as they rise towards the Lord. The Myrrh reminds us of how we must all endure difficulties and sorrows as we go through life and at the appointed time, leave this world behind.
We stand on the threshold of the New Year; we are leaving behind a very difficult year. Let us pray that the love and joy brought in to the world those two thousand years ago will give us the strength to endure all that 2021 will bring.
God Bless