Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 9th March - the First Sunday of Lent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:

‘Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.’ (Luke 4.1-2)

Reflection:

This week we enter the season of Lent, the six weeks leading up to Easter. It’s a time when we remember the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness at the very beginning of his ministry, facing up to the temptations that would have made life so much easier for him, and sorting out his priorities.

Traditionally it’s a time for Christians to reflect on the things that really matter in our lives, and weeding out what is damaging or unhelpful. It’s not about being miserable, or about a programme of self-improvement, but about asking God to show us his purposes for us. The wilderness was a place without distractions. Can we, in our busy lives, create such a space?

‘Lent’ is the Old English word for Spring, and speaks of growth, renewal, new life. May this season be for all of us a time of reflection and of joyful renewal.

Revd Rosemary