It seems that we have only just been celebrating Christmas and yet we will begin the season of Lent next Wednesday. Throughout the school, we have been preparing our promises for our Lenten trees.
Lent is the period of time when we remember Jesus’ time in the desert, before he began his three years of ministry. During this time of sacrifice, he was tempted three times but never succumbed.
We tend to associate Lent with fasting: giving up something we like, so that in a very small way we too sacrifice. In school, however, we have explored a different way of thinking about fasting.
Pope Francis said that fasting should be about looking at ourselves and reflecting on how we can change:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
The children have reflected on this message and have created personal promises that they hope will not only lead them to change in Lent but will be a beginning that they will adopt for the rest of their life. Maybe you could create your own promises based on Pope Francis’ message?
While we are thinking about Lent our minds are also drawn towards what is happening in Ukraine. At this time we particularly think of anyone in our school community who have family and friends in the country. Pope Francis has also asked us to make Ash Wednesday a day of prayer for peace.
Dear Father
We pray for peace in Ukraine and the whole world.
God of peace, you come to us in quiet and stillness; help us to know that you are there
May your gentleness surround those who are afraid
Amen
God bless
Mrs Mackie