Introduction

We rush because we think that we will get to our destination faster… often we only find ourselves running without direction… Jesus never seems to be in a hurry… he has a lot to do, but he makes time for every person he meets… he invites us to slow down… so that we can live unhurried lives…and discover the destination he has in mind for us… take a moment to soften your body, to ease your breathing, to still those racing thoughts…

The word ‘Lent’ derives from the lengthening of days during spring in the northern hemisphere… it reminds us of the gentle return of the light after winter… it is a time to slow down… it is a time to take a long hard look at our lives… we can use this season to see things more clearly day-by-day… and perhaps recognise that each moment is a precious gift from God… listen now to these words from the scribe Qohelet:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Qohelet understood that each moment contains a hidden task prepared for us by God… we can chose to undertake that task… or let it pass by… God wants us to make the best use of the time that is given to us… so take a moment to ponder the task God has given you alone to fulfil… during this season of Lent… at this moment of your life… or in this very moment of prayer…

Perhaps we already know how to dispose ourselves to the gift of time… if we persevere it is because we are struggling to hold on to God’s promise… if we are patient it is because we want to live according to God’s rhythm… if we hope it is because we have entrusted our lives into God’s hands… Take a moment to consider the disposition you need towards time… during this season of Lent… at this moment of your life… or in this very moment of prayer…

As we begin this season of God’s mercy let’s make these three commitments together…

These three commitments will hold us fast to the pathway we have chosen…

If you feel ready, take a moment to make these commitments in the presence of God……

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.