LENT - Feasting and Fasting

In full feasting mode, having scoffed the obligatory pancake, (I prefer mine with with just sugar and lemon), on Shrove Tuesday we now find ourselves in the middle of Lent, a time for fasting and reflection, and the absence of the feasting that both precedes and follows it.

Whatever your religion, or lack of it, our seasonal calendar, and associated holidays, are largely punctuated by key religious events surrounding the life, and death, of Jesus.

It was no surprise therefore, that at church this last week the reading was appropriately Psalm 51, the penitence psalm, one especially associated with Ash Wednesday.

I unashamedly admit to using some of the content from the sermon given by Curate Sheila Murray that morning (with her permission), where as congregants we considered the acknowledgement of our human failings, yet at the same time were urged to have faith and trust in the power of God to transform us, and the mercy to forgive.

This is something we can all learn from. None of us are perfect, and personally I’d steer well clear of anyone that thought they were. In going about our daily lives we make all manner of decisions, aiming to do our best at the time, but often failing to achieve the outcome we wanted; through our own foibles, whether due to selfishness, lack of self worth or the actions, words and influence of others with whom we share a common interest or relationship.

The word ‘ash’ has different meanings for all of us. My first thoughts were of ashes in the fire grate; all that is left after a roaring, body warming fire the night before. Strangely enough this is just about the only domestic chore I actually enjoy. For others the concept of ‘ash’ is often linked in much the same way to the end of things, a process involving pain and loss.

However, we were also asked to consider that for gardeners ashes have great fertilising properties, and in the outback in Australia they are dependent on fires to regenerate its forests. The passion flower, a native species of Australia, only survives if its germination is triggered by bush fires. The lesson learnt is that despite the dull grey pallor of ash something beautiful and colourful can grow out of it.

Many of us fast during Lent, usually giving up something material, in my case, chocolate and wine. When I do so I consider it more a test of willpower than anything else, until last year someone suggested that instead of giving something up it might be better to do something I don't usually do.

In a poem by William Arthur Ward entitled 'Fast From – Feast On' he ponders on less tangible ways that we can all either fast or feast. Here are some to reflect on as we approach Easter.

Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.

Fast from bitterness: Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.

Fast from anger; Feast on patience.

Fast from lethargy: Feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.

I can only agree with the sentiments expressed, and will be using this time, whilst looking forward to the feasting that follows, to remember that as always it is our attitude that affects the outcome of many of life's daily trials and tribulations. Bring on the easter eggs.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh

3 Rectory Court

Vicarage Hill

Combe St. Nicholas