We are well into the season of Lent. A time traditionally of deprivation, of giving up something we enjoy. An act of penance, in recognition of Jesus’ time in the wilderness.
It would have been a frugal time of year in medieval societies. The food stored from the previous year would be getting low. The new season was still ahead. Penance and deprivation fitted in well with the events marked in the church’s year.
We have just had some beautiful sunny Spring Days. We’ve moved from snowdrops to crocuses, primroses and daffodils. New life is springing up around us. Days are lengthening. Very soon the clocks go forward.
Traditionally we have treated Lent as the season of less and yet its name actually refers to something more – the lengthening of the days and of more light. So could we see it as a time when we do something more? A time of greater spiritual awareness and reflection? A time when we listen more to others? When we read more? When we get outside and be part of this amazing re-flowering creation?
Chris Dawson