Dear Friends,

The earliest Christians were known as ‘Followers of the Way’. They were pilgrims journeying towards a goal. Like us all, they knew how easy it is to be distracted from their main purpose, and perhaps fail to meet their objectives. They stressed therefore the importance of keeping their eyes on the goal. Christian discipleship has long been seen as a journey. The goal is Christ. He is our strength and guide, our example and encourager.

On any journey it’s good to take time to check that we are moving in the right direction, and have all the equipment and supplies that we need. It’s sometimes good therefore to take time to reflect, and examine ourselves. Then we can see areas of our lives where we need forgiveness, and ways in which we need to grow. As we look at where we are now, we need to ask ourselves if we really are moving nearer to where we need to be, or if we have been side-tracked?

Every service of Holy Communion should be a time of self-examination and renewal, but special acts of worship such as the Annual Covenant service help us explore what’s really important to us, and if we are moving in the right direction. Similarly the season of Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday (18th February) gives us a few weeks to get our priorities sorted out, and to ask ourselves if we are living up to our highest ideals.

Some people find it helpful to give up something for Lent. There is value in that. It can help stop us taking things for granted, and remind us to seek a deeper and stronger faith. The trouble is that for some of us this can give us a negative approach to our spiritual journey. We don’t define ourselves by what we give up or don’t do. Rather, we dwell on the positives. Perhaps therefore a more helpful way to observe this season is to take time to do something that will help us deepen our commitment, grow in our understanding, and help us find enrichment in our relationship with Jesus. To read a good Christian spiritual book, to learn new ways of prayer, to read through a book in the Bible and study the reflections of spiritual writers on it. All these things can be a real means of grace that will help foster growth. Similarly to take time to help someone in need, or to support a worthy cause or charity can have the same effect. After all Love is at the heart of the gospel, and love needs to be seen in its practical application.

In my preaching during Lent, I will be exploring the teaching of Jesus with the hope that this will help us all come to a deeper relationship with our living Lord. To this end, I hope that in this holy season, we can all make the following prayer of St Richard of Chichester our own:

“Thanks be to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast given us, for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may we know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, now and for ever. Amen.”

Your friend and minister,

Peter C. Graves.