Rector’s Message

LENT 2010

Every clock, no matter how accurate, needs to be adjusted from time to time. The season of Lent is just such a time when we are invited to reset our spiritual priorities as individuals and as a community by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God (pg. 282 BAS).

Lent is the “forty days plus the sixth Sunday” period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. For centuries Lent has been observed as a special time of self examination and penitence, a time for simplification and concentration on the essential values and priorities of the Christian faith.

Throughout Lent, our worship services become a little simpler; banners are taken down, the word Alleluia isn't used and the colour purple, signifying penitence, decorates the chancel and sanctuary. These things help us as a worshipping congregation to mark this special season of renewal.

In the personal realm, we are invited to observe a Holy Lent by talking on a spiritual discipline; giving up some thing(s) and taking on other thing(s). A great Lenten discipline would be to commit to daily prayer, Bible reading and other sorts of study for your mind and spirit. Why not consider coming to Evening Prayer on Sundays, followed by our Lenten video and discussion series entitled: Simply Christian - Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright, Bishop of Durham.

Fasting is another discipline that can also help us reset our "clocks", especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (see pg. xiii BCP). Going without food for a day or for a meal can sharpen our spirits and help us hear God more clearly. Giving up sweets, meat for all or some meals or alcohol either completely or in some measure, are other good examples. The time from a "given up" meal could be spent in prayer or in serving someone else. Money saved from giving up a meal or a particular kind of food can be given to the poor through Faith Works or the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund or other such ministries.

Lent is an especially appropriate time for reconciliation (see pg. 166 BAS) While private confession is never mandatory for Anglicans, it is always available for persons who desire to hear the words of absolution spoken directly to them in response to anything that may trouble their conscience (all may ~ none must ~ some should).

One final note... Remember to factor a day off from your discipline. The season of Lent should never be a "downer" but rather a time of exercising our spiritual muscles in order that we may become fitter instruments of God’s love, joy and peace. Don't forget that all 52 Sundays of the year are always feast days, because even in Lent we are people of the Resurrection.

May each of us have a wonderful and fruitful Lent!

Byron+