Crystal Clear for Lent
In this Sunday’s Gospel (be it long or short), Jesus makes a point about clarity. ‘Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.’ The point is, I think, that the Commandments have a noble simplicity and clarity to them. We are to observe them carefully, walking in the law of the Lord at all times. If we seek to be just and true then God will be with us, as the Opening Prayer explains. It is a simple, yet profound thought.
This clear teaching is helpful as we make final preparations for the holy season of Lent, which begins this coming Wednesday. Lent is a time of preparation for Holy Week and Easter. We use the first 5 or so weeks as well as we can, so that, by the time we reach Holy Week, we are truly with the Lord and able, by his gracious gift, to walk to the Cross and then worthily and heartily celebrate his rising from the dead. Lent, in this understanding, is a journey up to Jerusalem.
At the same time, we can also use the days of Lent to grow closer to the Lord, by simplifying our lifestyles and discarding habits which contradict the baptismal character that we have received. This character is holy, pure and always focussed on the things of the Spirit. We can use the days of Lent to reflect upon, and work at, putting aside all that prevents us becoming the people that God would have us be. Let’s pray for one another at this holy time as, together, we seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness. May our Lenten promises be a distinct ‘Yes’ to Christ and to his way of peace, justice and reconciliation.
A prayer for Lent:
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian Service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
With my prayers and good wishes for a holy and fruitful Lent for all,
