Lent approaches yet again and it is time to consider which disciplines of prayer and self-denial will help us to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Whatever we choose for the season it needs to be something which makes us more worthy celebrants of the paschal mysteries, greeting the risen Lord with renewed love for him and hope for the future.

As well as spending time during Lent reflecting on the past and especially our weaknesses and failings, it would be beneficial to consider the ‘other side of the coin’ as well. Our sins are more than matched by God’s love for us which issues in mercy and new beginnings. God’s mercy is also shown in his continual care for us, throughout our daily lives, but also in the midst of the trials which we face. The trials of life are many and varied, but might include struggles with health or relationships or it may be that we are particularly concerned about the nature of change in society or about the conflicts which we hear so much about. Taking mankind as a whole the list is endless and we may feel that we bear many of these burdens ourselves, but the weight is more than matched by God’s grace which shows itself in power.

As a boy I had a picture on my dressing table of Jesus with a couple of sparrows and the text beneath from St. Matthew.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10: 29-31 RSV)

It was a sentimental picture and I didn’t like it, but I came to appreciate the quotation (v.31), both as a statement on its own and in the context in which St. Matthew presents it which deals with a time of trial and judgement.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 28)

Jesus is speaking specifically about a time of trial and persecution, but then follows it with an image which is both gentle and powerful. It is gentle because sparrows are gentle and in the context of the day plentiful and cheap. It is powerful for two reasons. First, human beings are of more value than sparrows. Secondly, the illustration is a declaration of God’s absolute power: not even a sparrow can fall unless he wills it. Therein lies our confidence if we will only accept it.

Whatever your concerns may be and whatever you choose to do (or not do) this Lent I pray that you will find something to deepen your discipleship and bring you to a joyful Easter in a spirit of confidence and joy.

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. (Revelation 12: 10)

Image by TheOtherKev on Pixabay

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