Zetland Park Methodist Church Pastoral Letters
February 2012
Spiritual spring clean!
What crosses your mind when I mention the month of February? Valentine's Day? Maybe even Pancake Day!
But February in my mind reminds me of the start of Lent. Of course, Pancake Day is historically the day when folk used to use up the perishable foodstuffs which they would not be using during the season of Lent due to the association with the idea of self-denial - the giving up rich food! Though that is part of the purpose of Lent, it is not helpful to think of it as the only bit.
Really, Lent is about preparation - preparation for Holy Week and the commemoration of the suffering and death of our Lord. Traditionally that involves prayer, repentance, alms-giving and self-denial. The lone focus of just giving something up for Lent is not helpful for it makes it a time for being miserable! Rather, I like to think of Lent as a time for a Spiritual spring clean! As we spend time delving into corners we've not been in for a while it is amazing what we find. Washing away the dustiness of our lives can reveal a wonderful shine beneath!
Lent should certainly be a time of deep spiritual enrichment. True, we might give something up to allow ourselves more time for prayer, or so we can engage more abundantly in alms giving. But most of all it is a time of doing extra stuff so that we are better ready for Holy Week and Easter.
Certainly, our church service in Lent will reflect this theme and you would be most welcome to join us at any of them.