Lent - a time to strengthen our passion to serve

Lent is upon us again. Christians live these 40 days of prayer, fasting and self-denial as a way of strengthening our resolve to turn from all that separates us from God and return to his generous heart.

But the 40 days also remind us of the 40 years that the people of Israel spent wandering in Sinai when they grew to understand God’s special vocation for them in the world. It is also reminiscent of the 40 days that Christ spent in the desert, a place thought to be where demons lived and God was absent. Our Lenten discipline gives us a chance to reconnect with God's call to us to be his people, and to be in solidarity with all who hunger for food, peace and justice and with all who struggle against evil and yearn to know God's presence.

Lord of justice and kindness,
keep us strong through Lent.
Unite us to our neighbours in need,
and strengthen our desire to make this world a better place.
Amen.