Lent began on Wednesday, and this was marked at S. Michael’s in the Liturgies of the Church. During the 40 days of Lent we are invited to return to a simple and total trust in God, who is the source and end of all life. We are called to reject all the temptations that would persuade us to put our trust elsewhere, in less worthy things.
In the Gospels we see Jesus facing this ‘time of trial’ and choosing between two world-views, both of which may apparently be justified by the words of the Bible. He rejects the devil’s world-view that is based on the magical, the powerful, the spectacular—and the immense popular appeal that might be associated with such things. He proclaims and chooses a world-view that is rooted in humble, non-coercive, sacrificial love. In his short ministry he demonstrates this in faithfulness to God, and in costly service.
We are called to see our own choices, our own way of life, alongside this way of Jesus, and to allow his way to influence ours. I hope that we can all make some effort to do so during this season of Lent, and that we may then encounter the Easter celebration with mind and heart renewed.
Today during the 10:00 am Mass we welcome back our Sunday School children, with their supervisor Dr Marla Hughes. Each programme consists of a short lesson, and an activity or craft. Children of all ages are welcome to attend.
Next Sunday our Taizé Evening Prayer will be at 4:00 pm. At 8:00 pm, the Cologne New Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra will be giving a concert in S. Michael’s Church, with works by Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Elgar. Tickets are available at Ticketek or at the door from 7:00 pm.
Throughout Lent we are providing a list of the daily Mass readings so that those of you who cannot come to the altar can still listen with the Church to God’s word for us. Simple things, like praying the Our Father carefully every day, reading the Psalms for the day, or the Bible readings that are provided here, can be a refreshing discipline during Lent. On Friday evenings at 7:00 pm you are invited to gather and pray the Stations of the Cross together.
I hope that through Lent our Church community will be strengthened to face ‘the time of trial’, to be delivered from evil, and to give itself to God’s way wholly and joyfully.
May God bless you all.
Fr Peter Williams
Lent Readings: Week One
Monday Leviticus 19: 1–2, 11–18 Matthew 25: 31–46
Tuesday Isaiah 55: 10–11 Matthew 6: 7–15
Wednesday Jonah 3: 1–10 Luke 11: 29–30
Thursday Esther 14: 1, 3–5, 12–14 Matthew 7: 7–12
Friday Ezekiel 18: 21–28 Matthew 5: 20–26
Saturday Deuteronomy 26: 16–19 Matthew 5: 43–48
