Pause for Thought

From Reverend Aubin de Gruchy

Ash Wednesday marks the day when Christians set out on the long pilgrimage to Easter.

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “You must change your hearts—for the kingdom of Heaven has arrived.” – Matthew 4:17

J.B. Phillips New Testament

It’s time to do things the right way, God’s way. It’s time for Good news and this is the good news.

Now hopefully moving beyond the pandemic and a cold winter here in the UK, we long for spring and signs of new life. We long for signs of an end to the war in Ukraine and peace in our troubled world.

Those signs of renewed hope. Those early signs of spring – the longer days – the daffodils and crocuses starting to bloom.

On the one hand, Lent reminds us of the temptations Jesus faced as he set about his ministry, and we face as we try to live our lives. His temptations included that of being a material provider - providing everything people want rather than need - the temptation to be an entertainer doing miraculous, incredible things, and then the temptation to do things by force and take control of the world, the latter temptation so relevant to world leaders today. Lent, however, can also be a spiritual springtime, a new beginning; a season where we turn or return to the Lord. This is the call of the prophet Joel:

12 But there’s also this, it’s not too late—

GOD’s personal Message!—

“Come back to me and really mean it!

Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!” 13-14 Change your life, not just your clothes.

Come back to GOD, your God.

And here’s why: God is kind and merciful.

He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,

This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.

Who knows? Maybe he’ll do it now, maybe he’ll turn around and show pity.

Maybe, when all’s said and done, there’ll be blessings full and robust for your GOD!

– Joel 2:12 14 The Message

A prayer by Reverend Aubin de Gruchy

Lord as we travel through this season of Lent, Help us to think about and identify something or things that we might give up; Strength to face the temptations that lead us astray. On the other hand, may we take up a challenge to do something different during these forty days exploring and sharing your extravagant love. Lord as we travel through this season of Lent, May this time be a spiritual springtime for us as individuals and as a wider school community. May we recognise the rainbow through the rain and look forward with hope to all that lies ahead within your goodness and grace. In the name of the one who brought the Good News, even Jesus we pray.

Amen