By Revd Preb Julian Ould, Priest Vicar
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, and in the services on this day we mark all comers with an ash cross on their foreheads, using the words, ‘Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.’ This statement very much sets the context of what our Lenten observance should be about. Firstly, we should recognise that we are God’s created beings and that everything we enjoy in life is through his outpouring of love and giving in the miracle and wonder of creation. It is all too easy in our advancing technological age to assume that we are all knowing and in control, and yet we would do well to remember we are but dust and that for all our cleverness the gift of life is the most precious thing we have and that this is God given. The second part about, ‘turning away from sin’ and ‘being faithful to Christ’ is the more challenging aspect of Lent and requires some form of action, and is in many people’s eyes about gloomily giving things up that we like.
What are you giving up this year for Lent? For some it might be chocolate, for others alcohol, or indeed any form of luxury that we don’t need, but whilst this might have some virtue, I would ask, ‘to what end?’ What is it that we are trying to gain from abstaining from something?
To be fair, the idea of giving things up originated with a desire to remove worldly objects and temptations that might cloud or bar our vision of God and might deter us from pursuing a path of goodness, in the example of Christ. In this respect the Lenten observance is part fulfilled, especially if whatever we are giving up might be something that would tempt us into doing things we shouldn’t. For Lent is very much about preparing ourselves to greet our Lord anew within the Holy Week and Easter celebrations, about trying to establish that closeness and relationship that He ever calls us to. However, if at the end of the season of Lent we then revert back to indulging ourselves in whatever it was we gave up, I would again ask what are we hoping to gain, for what is the point of removing an obstacle, if this is what it is, if we are then going to replace it. To be honest, apart from abstaining from things that we know to be wrong, I seriously question the motives for giving anything up unless monies saved are used to help and support others, which of course is pursuing the path of goodness, albeit for a limited period of time.
So, what should we do to fulfil this second part of the Ash Wednesday statement?
Pope Leo, this Lent, has invited us to refrain from ‘words that offend and hurt our neighbour.’ He continues, ‘let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.’ Such a suggestion can only bring about good.
I have always advocated that we should be looking to do something extra, and whilst it may be started during Lent, it could be something we continue to do beyond this period.
I was greatly heartened by Pope Leo’s words, in that he went on, in his address, to look at not just abstaining, but actually doing. He continued: ‘let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.’ Such an action is about the desire to faithfully seek God’s way and so find the happiness He desires us to share.
Pope Leo concludes that if we pursue such a course this will turn words of hatred into words of hope and peace. In light of this I think you would agree, Lent is not about gloom and abstinence for the sake of it, but a chance to grow in faith, which is something to be cheerful about.
May you all have a happy Lent, resulting in a joyful Easter.