Thought for the Weekend
In the Belfast Telegraph on 26-01-08 Canon Lewis wrote:
An opportunity for self assessment and a duty to take action
My thought for this weekend is mainly about looking ahead and preparing for Lent. It is good to give ourselves time to reflect and decide on the sorts of things we might do in that unique season.
But first I want to say, though Christmas is past, let the spirit of Christmas remain. Let the love and goodwill of Christmas continue throughout the year. It is so easy to pack away the beautiful, loving atmosphere of Christmas with the Christmas decorations. Don't let that happen. Continue to show the love of Jesus!
I mention the Christian season of Lent because it will soon be upon us. February 6, Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent. The 40 days of Lent - taking us to Easter Sunday - are modelled on the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, where he was tempted and tested by the devil.
Today, Lent provides an opportunity for us, over a sustained period, to examine our lives and to draw closer to God. Lent is a timely pause in the hectic round of daily activities: and one which will guarantee renewal and refreshment.
Lent can be a time for taking stock, for self-examination. Over the centuries, it has been a time for penitence - for confessing sins and receiving forgiveness. It has also been a time for fasting, once a day or once a week. Abstaining from food today will heighten our spiritual awareness. It will also pay dividends in tackling overweight and obesity.
Lent is most importantly a time for prayer. Perhaps some people have allowed prayer to fall by the wayside. Others, maybe, are too busy. Others still are stressed out by family and work commitments, and prayer is pushed out of sight.
You could say that Jesus himself was a very busy person. Yet, for him, it was important to find time to pray. And he instructed and encouraged others to pray. Indeed, he taught his followers, "When you pray say, 'Father in heaven…..'". Jesus underlined the importance of prayer for everyone. In order to live a fulfilled life, we need to pray.
Lent is a time to think about many things - self-examination, penitence, fasting, prayer - and to take action. During Lent, there will also be opportunity to participate in worship, and study of the Word, in many churches.
Christmas is past. Lent approaches. As we enter this special season in twelve days time, let us carry with us the loving spirit of the Christ-child. And let us draw close to Jesus in prayer.