"Leave it and come."

          On Sundays, after the 11.00 am service at St. Mary’s, we always have coffee and biscuits (cookies for the Americans).  Occasionally someone brings samosas, which are of Asian origin; pastry is filled with spicy vegetables and or meat and then usually fried.   For birthdays it is not uncommon for cake to be served.  But today we had the pleasure of crape-style pancakes, with a choice of toppings—chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, maple syrup, sugar and lemon or honey. 

  

        The reason we had pancakes is because the Sunday School teachers gave the lesson on the transitions associated with Lent and Easter.  Pancake day is observed as the day before Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the season of Lent.  The idea is that people cleared out the pantry of all yeast, and rising agents and leftovers in preparation of Lenten fasting. 

          The purpose of fasting during Lent is to let the body starve in order to strengthen the Spirit.  Usually it is accomplished by spending time in prayer rather than sitting at a table and consuming a large meal.  In the last few decades people have given up other personal pleasures such as watching television, reading newspapers, playing computer games, etc, in order to use the time to study the Bible and pray. 

          The other idea about Lent is that fasting is often considered temporary, but the results are permanent.  Some people give up putting sugar in coffee or tea and after 40 days they never take sugar in their drinks again.  

          Everyday I take Maisy out for a walk.  As with most dogs, she sniffs the ground.  “Maverick” and I are amazed by her ability to sniff the grass and find some morsel to eat.  Most times we can’t see anything that would be edible.  Another battle is getting her to avoid the food people throw down for the wild birds and foxes.  On every excursion outside I find myself saying: “Leave it and come, Maisy.  Leave it and come.”

          Lent is rather like that—a season when the Holy Spirit is inviting me to “Leave it and come”.  I get tempted to worry about the future, and the Holy Spirit says, “Leave your worry behind you.  Come and sit in My Presence.”  

Whatever the situation:

·        When my feelings are hurt, leave the desire for vengeance and come find grace to forgive.

·        When a friend is ill and I can’t help, leave the frustration and feelings of helplessness and come pray for them.

·        When I see injustice—whether personal or to others, leave the anger and resentment and come show mercy to those who have been bullied, harassed and poor.

·        When I don’t get my own way, leave my selfishness and desire for recognition and come and serve with humility, forbearance and no expectation of reward

·        When things are overwhelming, and answers don’t come in my time, leave my impatience, frustration and impetuousness and come find grace to wait without complaining, using the patience given by the Holy Spirit

  

As Lent starts on Wednesday, I want to make the most of the opportunity to hear:

“My beloved speaks and says to me, ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.  The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.  The fig tree puts foth and ripens her green figs, and the vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance.  Arise, my Love, my Fair One, and come away.”  Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith

“Lady Helene”