Ash Wednesday and Lent

​This year, no sooner is Christmas over we approach the solemnity of Ash Wednesday. This year on 14thFebruary. At this time of year the Church commences its observance of the Lenten season—a six-week period devoted to drawing nearer to God and intensifying our spiritual pursuits. Regrettably, this sacred time is often trivialised into the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?”
 
This year, I propose a shift in our Lenten practice. Instead of renouncing our daily indulgences, let's redirect our focus towards benevolence and community service.
 
Imagine, for a moment, if rather than abstaining from chocolate, we each set aside something daily to benefit those in need. This could mean contributing a can of soup or a packet of pasta to our food bank collection in Church. Perhaps we could sort through our wardrobes for clothes we no longer wear and donate them to a charity shop, or place them in the clothes bank at the Church car park. This act of cleaning and decluttering not only tidies our homes but also enriches the lives of others.
 
Christian charity is at the heart of our faith, grounded in the commandment to love our neighbours as ourselves. Lent offers an ideal opportunity to practise this principle. Instead of merely foregoing certain foods or pleasures, let's offer something more meaningful—our time and companionship. A simple visit to someone who is lonely in our community, offering a cup of tea and a chat, or sharing a slice of Bara Brith, can make a profound difference.
 
This Lent, let's redefine our sacrifices by transforming them into acts of kindness and generosity. In doing so, we not only enrich the lives of others but also draw closer to the essence of our faith.