It's Lent time again.

Years ago, spring cleaning was an annual ritual.  Curtains removed and washed, rugs beaten outside, walls and floors scrubbed; cupboards emptied and cleaned, before being re-packed with sorted items.

I don’t know of anyone who continues this discipline, but one ancient ritual that in a sense conjures up that idea of cleaning, sorting and re-purposing is in full swing in church communities all over the country.

This month the Church continues its 40-day journey of reflection before Easter, known as Lent, (although the good news is, Sundays are not included!).  The word comes from Old English, meaning to lengthen, as was seen in the days drawing out as spring approached.  It is a time to follow the example of Jesus who went out into the Judean wilderness in order to be able to prepare himself for the enormous task he would be taking on as his ministry began. 

Jesus fasted for 40 days and therefore Lent includes some aspect of fasting, of denying ourselves.  It is sometimes seen as an opportunity to merely give up chocolate or alcohol, which of course is no mean feat for those who love them!  However, it is an opportunity to self-evaluate, to be honest with ourselves and to ask God for forgiveness and guidance in the way ahead.

It is no coincidence that this began during Medieval times when the stores of food prepared for the winter were beginning to run out.  Eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables, (apart from leeks, kale, and root vegetables), were becoming scarce.  On Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, pancakes using up precious fat, eggs, flour, and milk would be cooked before the fasting began on Ash Wednesday.  

This year, Pancake Day, (Shrove Tuesday) and Ash Wednesday were in February.  On Ash Wednesday, we had a service called the ‘Imposition of Ashes’.  It is a curious service during which we are asked to acknowledge our part in the brokenness of the world - in the times we let ourselves, others, and God down.  To demonstrate our acknowledgement and contrition, we have a cross of Ash placed on our foreheads with the words, ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.  Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.’

Such an ancient and profoundly stark demonstration of repentance seems bizarre in our times, yet for those who attend it is strangely therapeutic and gives us the opportunity to reflect on re-setting our lives and relationships.  God’s love and forgiveness is something precious and life giving, not only for us, but for all.

As I remember that old friend and her sparkling house, perhaps we may all find our Lent, our spiritual spring cleaning as a preparation for what lies ahead.  While we reflect and pray for our world, for our communities and indeed for ourselves, may we all know God’s peace and assurance as we journey with Jesus towards Easter. 

Revd Susan Oldham