From the Rectory Study - Lent
Over the past forty days, we have entered once more the gentle, searching season of Lent. I began, in my Homiles in Church, by reflecting on the habits we so often adopt for Lent - the giving up of wine or chocolate, or other small comforts. These sacrifices are not without value, however, I challenged us that the call of this season is not simply to go without, but to go within.
To make space—not merely in our cupboards, but in our hearts, and minds and spirits. The Psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Perhaps this is the truest Lenten discipline: not striving, but surrendering; not subtracting, but attending. Making time to be still with our God.
I challenged us, instead of giving something up, what if we took something up? A quiet ten minutes each day. A walk in prayerful awareness amongst the beauty of our parish. A willingness to simply be with God, without agenda or anxiety.
The poet George Herbert (1593-1633) captures something of this sacred turning:
“Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone,
Is much more sure to meet with Him, than one
That travelleth by-ways.”
Huge thanks to Jane, our LLM who has taken up my challenge to write reflections for our BEEB WhatsApp group. (Beaulieu, Exbury and East Boldre - aka BEEB). They have been truly inspiring and have encouraged us to steer our gaze towards this Lent being less about absence, and more about presence.
It has also been lovely to have Julie, an Ordinand from St Winn’s, Totton, on placement with us. It’s been great to get to know her and for her to travel with us at this sacred time. We wish all every blessing as she prepares for her Ordination in June.
I led two special Lenten Sessions. Firstly, welcoming back our dear friends Fiona and Elenor to Exbury Church for ‘Sounds of Healing’. Another beautiful opportunity to lie down on Holy Ground and be immersed in spirit filled sounds of Grace.
During ‘Words of Wisdom’ in Abbey Church, I led us through prayer, mindfulness and mediation techniques, centring around the words of Christ, with extracts from St Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, Etty Hillesum, to name a few, and more immersive sounds from our sacred Angelus Bell.
Lent is an opportunity, less about denial, and more about discovery.
This Lent I have asked only one thing - to make time to just be with your God.
As Lent draws now to its close, we stand on the threshold of something extraordinary.
Ahead lies Palm Sunday, the solemn beauty of Holy Week, the stillness of the Triduum, and then—glorious and surprising—Easter, and the new life it brings to us all.
As we move from this season of quiet reflection into the unfolding mystery of Holy Week and the joy of Easter, may all that we have gently begun now continue to take root within us. May we continue to lean into our faith, making time to be still with God, not just in this season of Lent, but every season of our lives. Amen.
