Articles - From the Vicar

Dear Friends

As I write, the snow is still thick on the ground and the long winter seems to have us still in its grip. However, despite the seemingly fixed position of the thermometer, the days are getting longer and therefore the earth is gradually warming. We know that spring is not far around the corner and that it will come some day soon. The promise of this lies in the trees whose twigs already carry the buds that one day soon will open up into new leaves, bringing energy and growth with them. No doubt, under the snow the first bulbs of the year are already pushing their green shoots upwards towards the light.

February also marks the beginning of spiritual springtime. The original meaning of "Lent" was spring. This may perhaps seems a little strange because we associate Lent with self-discipline, which can feel a bit like wintertime, whereas Easter is when we tend think of new life. However, new life begins long before the flowers and leaves appear. It begins with the planting of seeds, which sometimes lie in the ground for a long time before they show any visible signs of being there. In the same way, spiritual springtime begins long before Easter.

We can use a variety of images for this: the sowing of seeds, the putting down of roots, or ploughing goodness back into the soil. All of these lead on to new growth in the spring, and Lent is time to do any or all of these. "Planting seeds" may mean beginning a new practice in our life, which may go on long after the days of Lent have passed. "Putting down roots" may mean spending time in prayer and reflection, or reading the bible or some other book about faith. "Ploughing goodness back in" may mean recognising that we have been giving out so much that we have become worn out physically or spiritually, and making time for the good things that will restore and refresh us. Whatever it may mean to you, make the most of Lent, so that it can be the start of spiritual springtime for you this year.

With all best wishes
David

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay