The Wildness of Lent
As we step into the season of Lent, the landscape around us is changing once again. Though winter still lingers in the chill of the air, signs of new life are already stirring. In our own churchyard and the river and fields beyond, the natural world seems to be waking from its slumber: a buzzard has been seen soaring high above the treetops, a lone hare recently darting across the grass, a deer down from the hills. A pair of swans, ever faithful to one another, glide gracefully on the Wyre nearby. And amidst these stirring creatures, the first flowers of the year, snowdrops, aconites, and even the resilient bloom of a winter ross push through the cold earth, quietly declaring that spring is on its way. Even the weeds in my perennial beds are joining in!
These glimpses of life in our churchyard seem a fitting reflection of Lent itself. Lent is a time of wilderness, of stepping into a place that is often still and stark, just as Jesus did during the 40 days, and in a waymuch like these winter days before spring fully arrives. Yet, in the midst of that wilderness, there is always movement, always the promise of something more. The hare, the deer, the buzzard, they remind us that even in quiet, unseen places, God is at work. The swans, steadfast in their companionship, speak of faithfulness and perseverance, of staying the course even when the waters are cold. And the flowers, small, delicate, yet persistent remind us that even in the hardest seasons, beauty and grace can break through.
As we begin our own journey through Lent, may we embrace the wilderness, knowing that it is never empty, but full of God’s quiet work. Those swans have been faithful all winter and will soon be rewarded with a host of cygnets, and our diocesan lent course can be found on the aptly named fruitful app a call to remain steadfast in prayer and devotion and bear fruit in abundance. If we prefer the company of real human beings, a lent course begins on March 11th in Saint Helens Parish room at 7:30 pm. May we, like those first flowers of spring, lean into the light, growing in faith and hope as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter to come.
Wishing you all a blessed and reflective Lent.
