The Old Rectory at St Mark’s, Dundela, is one of the few remaining buildings with a direct link to world-renowned Christian author Clive Staples (Jack) Lewis. St Mark’s was his home parish, his grandfather was the first Rector, and it was here that Lewis was baptised and claimed for Christ. He returned here many times later in life, not least to mark his journey back to faith and memorialise his parents in the stained-glass Lewis window in the church.
This week’s introduction is from our Ordinand Esther Simpson.
Over the last few days – when we’ve actually had sunrises and sunsets – I’m sure you have also noticed the lighter mornings and evenings. As my father-in-law would say, “There’s a quare stretch to the days.”
Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days (minus the Sundays) that leads us up to Easter. During this time, we follow Jesus from the Mount of Transfiguration, which we celebrated last Sunday, to the Mount of Crucifixion. Traditionally it is a time to live more simply, forego luxuries and spend time in contemplation and prayer. All of this might feel like a ‘quare stretch’ in our culture of consumerism.
The 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness after his baptism are primarily a preparation for what will come next. Yes, he gets hungry. Yes, he is tested. But he spends time praying, relying on God, meditating on God’s Word. He is led there ‘by the Spirit’ (Matthew 4:1) not to be put in harm’s way but so that he could become strong.
There are several ways to think of Lent. As training: like athletes train by eating the right kinds of foods and doing the right kind of exercise. As a period of mourning: paying special attention to how we have fallen short. As testing: allowing ourselves to be stretched to our limits to see if we can cope.
What if we saw this Lent as an opportunity for a ‘quare stretch’ – stretching ourselves beyond comfort zones, normal practices, familiar routines. Maybe today you could ask the Holy Spirit to lead you towards something you could give up – or take up – for Lent? And let’s ask God to use this time to prepare all of us for what lies ahead.
Blessings,
Esther
We are here to support you and to listen. And we would love to hear from you; please share your ideas and words of encouragement so that we can pass them on to other parishioners. Thank you.
