Springing into Lent: A Way of Worship for the St. John’s Family during the Lenten Season
Soon we will “spring forward”. As we turn clocks ahead and anticipate the brighter, lighter weather of Spring, let us also couple this with a spirit of “springing” into Lent. Instead of thinking of Lent, Good Friday, and Easter as a morbid and fearful season, or a season of drudgery and going without, it seems helpful to shift our perspective; to bring the same hopeful sentiments of Spring into welcoming Lent. In some ways, my kids have not looked forward to Lent like they do Advent. Whilst Advent brings the anticipation of Christmas gifts, daily chocolate from the Advent calendar, and lighting candles, Lent asks them to give up similar luxuries. Let’s all reframe! Imagine children being taught about Lent as farmers think of spring. The planting of seeds leads to the death of the seed, but it also grows a plant and gives a harvest. We wait and water and toil with the anticipation of fruit. Hopefully, we can be creative in teaching about the Lenten season from this posture. In light of this, I asked artists in our church to create artwork and display it during Holy Week and Good Friday, as a way of connecting our lives with Jesus’ journey to the cross. We invite families with children to also join us. Use your creativity. Push past the mess. Paint, sculpt and draw with your kids as we connect with Christ during this season of Lent.
Here is a prayer I have composed as my reflection for this Lenten season:
Lord Jesus,
As we enter this new season of Spring,
As our days are longer,
As there is more light in our days
May we begin a new quest for growing in you, Lord Jesus.
As the church celebrates and enters the Lenten season,
As we carry our cross in this season,
Help us to have more light and freshen our spirits.
As we light the paschal candle,
May the light of Christ shine to cast out selfishness in our hearts.
As the rain floods and new plants grow,
May your love flood our hearts and may we be gracious to others.
As the tree buds, and leaves and new flowers grow,
May we experience your freeing love,
Knowing that you will never leave us or forsake us.
Amen
Mawethu Ncaca
Curate at St John’s Episcopal Church, Lent 2021