It's Lent

What does Lent mean to you? Is it a time of fasting and self denial, giving up a luxury, or even giving up something that you know is bad for you? What is Lent really all about? It is true that fasting and self denial are an important part of the Lenten tradition, but they are important only if they serve the main purpose of Lent, which is to prepare ourselves for Easter.

At Easter we celebrate the self-emptying of Christ, who gave up the joys of heaven and offered his life for us. On its own Jesus' death would not be a cause for celebration; but he rose from the dead, and in doing so enabled us to be given a new life in him. Lent is a time of seeking to experience some of Christ's sufferings, so that, as we share in his self denial, we may make ourselves more ready to share in the joy of his resurrection. Of themselves, fasting and self denial are pointless, and not welcomed by God, unless they change us so that we become more like Christ.

Originally the fast in Lent (which simply means 'spring') was for baptismal candidates. In the early Church baptisms were done at dawn on Easter morning - by IMMERSION IN COLD WATER, obviously at a time when the baptism of babies really was the exception to the rule. Candidates, who had already gone through a lengthy preparation (the Catechumenate, when they learnt their 'Catechism': the teaching necessary for a new Christian), were then expected to fast in order to be prepared spiritually as well as intellectually for the great day. In the service they had to declare the content of their faith (give a testimony, some might now call it), a procedure that developed into the creeds we still say today. Gradually, Lent, the Catechism, the Creeds, and even Baptism itself, changed their meaning, or at least, their emphases, so that today we often forget their real purpose. Can Lent have a relevance for us today?

Lent is the ideal time for a hard look at the church member - YOU (and me). How has your Christian life fared during the last year? What are your expectations for next year? What changes must you make if those expectations are to be realized? It is not likely that Easter morning will see your baptism, but if it did, or if you were asked, what account would you give of your faith: of the teaching you had received, of the things which you believe, of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? As that rather clever poster says, showing an irate judge pointing towards you, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Well would there? You have the rest of Lent to think about it.
Richard Pamplin

As looking ahead is part of what Lent is about, a few reminders:

• 1 April, Palm Sunday. The service will focus on the 'Palm Liturgy', with procession round the church (outside, unless it pours), but also take a look forward to Jesus' passion.
• 5 April, Maundy Thursday. At 10.00, the Blessing of Oils at St Peter & Paul's (mostly in German, with some French); and at 18.30, our Agape Passover / Communion - a service and a shared meal - based on the Last Supper.
• 6 April, Good Friday. The 10.00 service is for the whole church family. The 'Passion Story' is told through a shortened 'Stations of the Cross'. Then at our Good Friday Meditation different people will lead times of prayer and meditation from 12.00 to 15.00. If you would like to help lead one of the sessions, please sign up on the sheet in Church on Palm Sunday.
• 8 April, Easter Sunday. There are two Eucharist services at St Ursula's (09.00 and 10.30). There is no separate Junior Church or crèche.
• AGM 22 April - if you want to vote, you must be on the Electoral Roll (see the notice elsewhere in this magazine).

Read more about all these services next month