Lent – what's your response?

From Micky Munroe

The older we get, the more it pays to keep check on our health. That's not to say we should become morbid hypochondriacs; simply that we should keep an eye out for problems so that we can seek help to put them right before they take hold. If that is true medically speaking, it's true also when it comes to our spiritual health, for that can equally suffer as the years go by. Complacency, disillusionment or sheer weariness are all conditions that can steal up on us, sapping our faith of its natural vitality. Just as with our physical well- being, we need to be alert to the signs, regularly making time to examine ourselves, just as Paul urged the Christians of Corinth. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5a)

Traditionally, Lent is such a time, calling us to reflect on our discipleship and to ask if everything is as it should be. None of us is perfect, of course, and the last thing God wants is to encourage spirit of negative self- criticism. Rather, he wants us to conduct an honest self- appraisal, and then to seek his gracious help in bringing inner healing and renewal. The cure does not lie solely in us, any more than self- help remedies are the answer to every physical ailment. It lies in recognising something is wrong and seeking help from the one who alone is able to give us wholeness. If we are willing to admit our need, he will do the rest.

I know we've only just finished with Christmas, but Lent starts on 22nd February this year, and if you want to make the most of this rich season in the Church's year it'd be best to start thinking about it now! What does the season mean to you? What sort of ideas does it conjure up in your mind? I've already reflected on the idea of taking stock, or spiritual examination associated with Lent, however, for many this is taken to the point of giving something up: an opportunity, perhaps, to kick that unwanted habit, go at last on that long-intended diet, or deny oneself those unnecessary extra luxuries. All such acts of discipline have their place, as the teaching of Jesus concerning taking up our cross makes clear, but they give a very one- sided view of Lent, for, if anything, it should be about taking something on; committing ourselves, in the words of Jesus, to going the extra mile. That doesn't mean taking work on for work's sake, or looking for extra duties, demands and responsibilities. Rather, it is about resolving to follow Christ more faithfully, determined to give him our whole- hearted discipleship. It might mean more disciplined devotion, perhaps more practical service, maybe more effective witness or possibly the offering of previously unused gifts. Whatever it is, it is more than giving something up; it is primarily giving something back to the one who gave us his all. Consider today what Christ has done for you; then ask what you can do for him, and use Lent as an opportunity to respond.

Your brother in Christ,

Micky