St Mary's Uttoxeter

Looking at Lent

24 Feb 2022 • Articles

The Sundays before Ash Wednesday have latin names: Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima, marking seven, six and five weeks before Passion Sunday when our solemn thoughts leading to Holy Week and Good Friday begin.

This year Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls on 2nd March.

Ash Wednesday is a day for thinking seriously about our 'human condition'. Our bodies don't always work perfectly, and sometimes our eating, drinking, rest or exercise need to change to become more healthy. In the same way, neglecting our spiritual health makes our souls suffer, letting down ourselves, our neighbours and God. On Ash Wednesday the Church reminds us that mortal, physical, human life has a beginning and an end: "from dust you came and to dust you will return". If you forget that, it is easy to imagine that it does not matter what you think, say or do. But when you have spoken your last word, closed your eyes for the last time, and your human life is over, you leave nothing of real value here except other people's memories of you and the good ways in which you have influenced and helped those people, and you can take nothing with you except your faith and trust in God.

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, has traditionally been regarded as a day to be 'shriven' – to consider your life, confess your sins and ask God's forgiveness in preparation for Lent. Then, during the few short weeks of Lent it can be easier to exercise your soul and to find the right spiritual nourishment, gaining strength and receiving the full benefit of reflecting on the 'Passion' – the suffering – of Jesus for our sakes. Spend Holy Week well, and when Easter comes, you will rejoice with all your heart to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus which has opened the way to eternity, a new, refreshed and healthy life in God's kingdom.

With every blessing for you during Lent,

Ann