Dear Friends,

As I write this article it is Sunday evening 23 February 2020, at the end of probably one of the wettest half term holidays for children in recent times.

I recall a business trip I made to Hereford. I had a scheduled meeting on the Monday, but of course Storm Dennis swept the country causing unprecedented flooding and put the trip in jeopardy. What should I do? Should I go or should I stay? The reports on TV and the forecast all said – stay at home – but I really had to make the trip, so, of I went and save for a stretch of the A49 near Leominster, the journey was without incident.

To the east and south of Hereford the Rivers Wye and Severn were wreaking destruction in homes and businesses. The legacy of the floods will have a lasting effect upon the lives of many. I feel a real sense of concern for the farming community. The winter crops will not grow – the winter vegetables similarly will not produce the expected income. There is a definite change in climate patterns and as ever change requires preparation and adjustment. We pray earnestly for all whose lives have been changed and that they will be led to a life style to which they are able to harness.

The message of Lent does not change. It is a valued time of preparation. The season of sack cloth and ashes; the time of giving up the chocolate; alcohol; and other items of pleasure - what fun can there be in that?

Well I suspect Jesus did not enjoy spending 40 days and 40 nights in a desert and then carrying a heavy cross through the streets to Golgotha and I am sure he did not enjoy being crucified on that same cross. Not to mention the beatings and humiliation he endured.

Lent allows us in a small way to identify with the 40 days of preparation to then stand at the foot of the cross on Good Friday; gaze upon the crown of thorns and nail pierced hands and feet of your Saviour and my Saviour. We don’t have to ‘give up…’ we can ‘take on…’ additional things that allow us to draw closer to God.

For your interest I am giving up snacking between meals during Lent – partly because I am no longer the athlete I once was but also when I have a desire for the snack, I may turn my mind to the example of Jesus in resisting temptation.

I will also take on a discipline that is expected of a priest and that is the rhythm of saying the Daily Office. This is morning prayer or evening prayer. I am lax in this discipline and I don’t even have the excuse of not having the prayer book with me – it is on an App! It is my opportunity to spend time drawing closer to God. So, here goes and hope I can be faithful to the tasks I have set. Such that I will reflect in a meaningful way, just how relevant Jesus, Son Of God is who died for all and is so doing provided the free gift of eternal life and riches in this life, beyond compare.

I encourage you to set yourselves a discipline that will draw you closer to God.

Blessings as we journey together,

David