Dear Friends,

The number 40 is of special significance in the Jewish-Christian Scriptures: Genesis tells of a 40 day flood; the Hebrews spent 40 years wandering the wilderness before reaching the Promised Land; Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the 10 Commandments; Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry. I could go on.

I wonder if you have already been asked ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’ For some this time may present a useful opportunity to give up habits that are life-draining rather than life-giving. Others take it as a time for reflection – a sort of ‘Spiritual Spring Clean’. True, we can do this at any time – much the same way as we might enjoy pancakes for twelve months of the year – but Lent provides us with a special opportunity to pause and prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead in our own lives.

To many people the practice of fasting is bound up with Lent. Throughout history there have been many foods from which Christians have abstained at this time. Meat and fish, for example, have been avoided in order to help unify people who could afford these expensive foods with those who couldn’t. Then there are foods such as fats, eggs and milk. So that no food was wasted during the coming weeks of Lent families would have a feast the day before – mixing up the ingredients and adding flour in order to create the pancakes that have become, for many, almost synonymous with Shrove Tuesday or ‘Pancake Day’.

It is estimated that the average British family throws away approximately £60 worth of food every month. This country throws away 7 million tonnes of food and drink every year.

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that there is something very wrong here.

I’m not suggesting we should all fast in a conventional way, but are there ways in which we can be more mindful of what we eat and the ways in which our habits affect the wider world?

How can we speak up for those whose voices are not heard?

How can we use our resources well? Not just our food but our time, talents and all the things that make us ‘us’.

How can we help others to do the same?

As stewards of God’s creation we have a responsibility to use the resources we are given wisely and for the benefit of others and of God’s Kingdom. Perhaps as part of your reflections, your ‘Spiritual Spring Clean’, this Lent you might consider ways in which we can show solidarity with the world around us.

Every blessing, 

Laura