FROM THE VICAR

Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer. It is also an opportunity for Christians to grow in the Christian life, for this is what the word Lent means, 'growth'.

Why does the Church keep these forty days and nights, excluding the Sundays, as they are always a celebration of the Lord's resurrection, although we do observe them as "Sundays in Lent".

First, because in the rhythm of the Christian year, it is a time of preparation for Easter, the greatest Christian festival. Lent belongs to Easter 'as the stem of the flower', as someone once said. It is a time of self examination and penitence, when Christians should use the Sacrament of Penance as they look forward to making their Easter communion, the one time in the year when all communicants are expected to be at the altar! (Book of Common Prayer). Historically it was a time for those who were preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil.

Secondly, because human beings need continual recalling to our Christian discipleship; it is so easy to drift especially where our own spiritual life is concerned. Lent is not so much a matter of trying a little harder than we usually do or even of giving something up, but an opportunity of drawing nearer to God, a chance to make his presence felt in our lives. It may mean, therefore, clearing away some of the least important things that press upon us to make more room for God to go 'after that pearl that is above price'.

So often today, Christianity 'in action' seems to be emphasis, world need or doing this and that rather than being. There is nothing wrong in that of course, but there has to be a balance. What the Christian does, depends on what the Christian is. Good works and actions have to flow from the life of the spirit and of a deep faith. Unless we have the balance right, there is a danger of emptiness, which not only perplexes, but may even sour good works. There are plenty of people outside the church who are involved in charity and good works, this does not make them Christians, although it may well be the result of a Christian heritage over the centuries which stems from the Christian teaching of love of neighbour.

Lent then is a return to first principles, to God, strengthening the foundation on which our life and work is built; 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you'.

In this Lenten discipline we are not alone: we are together in the family of the Church, and this corporate aspect of keeping Lent together makes all the difference both to our resolutions and to our fellowship. That is why a simple Lenten Rule, which we can all adapt to our own individual use, is something that binds us together.

With my prayers and blessing for a good Lent.

Malcolm Ferrier.