This year of 2012 may have got off to a good start for some of you, indeed I hope that it has. Yet I know many people for whom the year has begun with sadness and loss. For those of us involved in offering pastoral ministry, much of our time so far this year has been taken up with visiting parishioners who are seriously ill, and trying to help families through the trauma of bereavement. Our hearts go out to all who are struggling with difficult and sad situations. At times like this it is all too easy to feel downhearted. The cold, dark winter days may add to a feeling of gloom and despondency. Now as we enter the month of March, spring is on the way and with that season there comes a resurgence of hope. There are stirrings of new life in the world of nature and the appearance of spring flowers reminds us of the growth that has been going on, unseen, in the darkness.
We are in the season of Lent. For some this is a time of going without something we enjoy in order to give a little more of ourselves to God in prayer, and to focus our thoughts on Jesus and all that he has done for us. Some people do something extra during Lent, for instance reading the Bible more or reading other Christian literature. Some attend worship and meetings that help us to think about our faith and to come closer to God. During Lent we remember that Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil. At first those things the devil asked him to do seemed not unreasonable. The devil even quoted words from the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament) making his claims seem plausible, at least on the surface. The things we are tempted to do are not always obviously wrong. Temptation can be subtle, and misuse of Scripture texts can confuse us. Jesus was well versed in the Scriptures, understanding their proper interpretation. He wrestled with temptation and quoted Scripture in an appropriate way to defeat the devil, winning through to a place where he was strengthened in his resolve to do the will of the Father. This took him, eventually, to the cross. Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross and follow him. We cannot avoid temptation or situations of sadness and loss. Yet through all this we can discover God’s peace and the strength that the Holy Spirit gives to aid us in our struggles.
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. During the testing time of Lent, and the suffering of Holy Week and Good Friday, we look forward to the new life which will break out on Easter Day. This is the good news that brings light in our darkness and comfort in our sorrows – the gift of new life, eternal life, in Jesus’ name.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
