Jenny’s letter 9th March

Dear Friends,

This Sunday has been designated as Covid Memorial Day, a moment to reflect on the immense loss and change that began five years ago when the world shut down. Many lost loved ones, faced isolation, and saw life as they knew it change dramatically. In the midst of the awfulness of it all, there were also extraordinary glimpses of people’s kindness, generosity, support for one another and willingness to join together in the face of adversity. While, for many of us, life has returned to normal we acknowledge that the impact of the pandemic lingers in deep and profound ways. 

As we begin the sacred season of Lent, we are often encouraged to give up something as a sign of sacrifice and devotion. Traditionally, many choose to abstain from sweets, social media, or other worldly comforts. It is such a different thing to choose abstinence than be forced into it through something like Covid19, though the outcomes are not all bad. After the lockdowns ended, several people spoke to me about how they had actually grown closer to God and to friends and family members through the experience. So I wonder. What if this Lent, we focused on giving up something deeper—something that hinders our spiritual growth and our ability to love as Christ loves? 

Jesus teaches us in the Gospels to live lives of kindness, compassion, and mercy. We saw so much of that five years ago.  He challenges us not only to fast from physical comforts but also from the attitudes and behaviors that distance us from God and one another. 

In Matthew 7:1-2, He reminds us: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” This Lent, let us give up judgment and instead embrace understanding and grace. Let us also give up meanness and replace it with kindness and generosity: generosity of our time, our gifts and skills alongside our money. 

To this end, Paul encourages in Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Let us give up harsh words and speak with gentleness and encouragement, remembering Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” And finally, let us give up being impassive and instead engage wholeheartedly with those around us, showing love in action as Jesus did throughout His ministry.These sacrifices are harder than giving up chocolate, but they have the power to transform our hearts and bring us closer to God. 

If giving up a favourite treat helps remind us of this call to deeper faith, then let it be a tool for spiritual renewal. But let us not stop there. As we journey through Lent, let us also take time to remember those who are no longer with us, those who continue to grieve, and those whose lives were forever altered. Let us hold them in prayer, offering our compassion and support, and let our Lenten sacrifices be a way of honoring their memory. 

Whatever you plan to undertake in order to observe Lent, may we each emerge from this season with renewed faith, strengthened hearts, and a commitment to love and care for one another more deeply.

May this be a transformative and blessed time for you,