We have just two Sundays this year between the end of Epiphany and the start of Lent, and these help us to set the scene for Lent. So we're nearly there, for the forty days that lead up to Easter. It is a very challenging time, a time to cut through the outer wrapping of our faith, to get below the words which we say so easily and the things that we so often do without thinking.

Today, 8th February, 2nd Sunday before Lent, Jesus encourages us not to over-worry about things as none of us can "by worrying add a single hour to our span of life". Rather we should "strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given" to us.

A helpful thought to have before us we appoach this season of self-reflection before the great feast of Easter.