Jesus was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. (Matthew 4:1-2)
Lente is the modern Dutch word for “spring” and the word probably comes from the old Germanic words for the lengthening of days that happens at this time of the year, In England the use of the word is now limited to the period of fasting the church observes at this time of year. This Lenten fast of 40 days (not including Sundays) is based upon the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the desert, recorded in detail in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels. Jesus was starving, so what would be wrong with turning a few stones into bread as he was tempted to do? It certainly would not harm anyone so why was it such a problem. Perhaps it was because he had committed himself to this time of preparation for his mission on Earth. So to break that fast and use his power for the relief of his own discomfort would have been to turn aside from God’s work and the call to use his power only for the benefit of others.
 
These past few weeks of winter have felt particularly dismal. We have not enjoyed many cold, crisp sunny mornings, or much proper snow in this part of England, Just endless days of energy sapping grey cloud, cold wind, and cold drizzly rain. But snow drops are already in flower, crocuses are poking through, and spring will soon be here, bringing green growth and colour back into our world. The Church’s season of Lent is about using the time of preparation and fasting to come closer to God and his way of living. Like the spring season, Lent is a time of new beginnings and fresh growth.  
 
The way of the world is to look after number one: “charity begins at home” they say. But if everyone’s primary concern is to look first to their own comfort before others then the world becomes a pretty dark and dreary place. The word Charity comers from the Greek word for “hope”. Charity should be a gift of love which brings hope to others. This is why the command to “love your neighbour as yourself” is one of the two pillars that underpins the whole of scripture. So, if giving things up for lent is not your thing why not take up something new this year instead, whether it is something for God, something to benefit the community or better still, both. Do this in our dark and grey world and you can help bring green growth, light and colour of spring back into it. 
Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.  (1 Corinthians 13:13)                                               Revd Eddie