Here on the right is a clip from the February 1961 issue of The Newfoundland Churchman (which is now this paper, Anglican Life) talking about things that we can give up for Lent. I discovered it while looking back through old issues, which you can search for online quite easily these days. In particular, I was looking for anything Lenten: things that have been said or done in the past in our province during this yearly time of reflection, penitence, and preparation. As many of the regular readers of this paper will have noticed during this last decade while I’ve been the Editor, I have great affection for things of the past, especially those from within the Church.
I was very pleased to find this particular list of things to “give up” in Lent, and I think that they are as true for us today as they were when they were first published 65 years ago.
Many of the suggestions are about having a more positive attitude and a trust in God. That’s not an easy thing though. The news these days, whether from the Middle East, from Europe, or from America, is nothing short of horrifying. It makes the suggestion to “GIVE UP your worries—instead trust God with them,” a very difficult thing to ask. And while trust in God we must, we must also take action. Trusting does not mean a lack of action. We can give up looking at people’s worst points, speaking unkindly, our hatred and dislike of anyone, and the fear which prevents Christian witness. Pray for the world and for peace.
This Lent, take up your cross and follow Christ, for it is through him that we go forward to change the world with love, never with violence. Make your voice heard, and stand for the things that Jesus asks of us when he says, “Follow me.”
