The Great Season of Lent
Hopefully we have got off to a good start to our Lenten Season this year. One event in particular, which happened at St George’s Church on Sunday afternoon, was the opening meeting of our young persons preparation for their confirmation, this was very good “tus maith leath na hoibre” a good start is half the work. It was a very good opportunity to share some food, to share their faith, to experience our faith, and to have it strengthened, nourished and nurtured. There was a very good presentation upon the life of faith and in keeping with the Synod. Jesus was not a religious figure like a Priest, a Pharisee, or a Sadducees. He was a human person, but also the Son of God, and as such he had great power and authority. People were drawn to him, particularly for forgiveness and healing. The phrase “He worked many miracles”. We in our time want to get to know more about Him who loves us.
The tragedy that is Ukraine, and sadly one that is not going to disappear, really calls for oceans of prayer, because it is indeed Putin’s war. So it is also tragedy for the Russian people. Pope Francis clearly called for fasting and prayer. As Alan Jozwik expressed it in the announcement last Sunday “well we just eat less food”. If we can establish and clarify that intent and purpose it will be a real help to achieve fasting. In the age that we live in, food is so readily available; so different from the time when I was growing up when an ice cream was more of a yearly event than a weekly one, but then I lived out in the country.
There are many requests to ask what are we doing in response to the events in the Ukraine. There are many engaged in responding to this and I believe there is a lorry going from Eastbourne, but because of the situation it is very difficult to get materials to the right place, and so I believe to collect money for the cause would be most helpful. Anyone wishing to help to co-ordinate donations please get in touch.