Reflection by Pat Kerr
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink . . .’ Matthew 25:35
As we enter into Lent this year, the idea of fasting to draw closer to God might seem a challenge too far after the year we have just had.
It’s not hard to recognise the many challenges and unplanned periods of fasting that we have all faced; whether it’s been missing time with family, or not being able to go to our favourite restaurants and holiday spots.
Giving something else up, something that might be providing us with that little bit of comfort we require, may not be high up on our list.
Whether you choose to fast or not, I am reminded of the Lord’s prayer which calls us to focus on each day at a time and to seek the needs for that day alone: ‘Give us today our daily bread’.
Thankfully, many of us don’t know what it is to fully rely on God for our daily bread but sadly there are those in our community who do.
As we enter into Lent this year, fasting may not be high up on our priorities, but there are other ways in which we can seek to draw closer to God this Easter.
Over the next 6 weeks, seek God by seeing the daily blessings he gives us. As you enjoy your meals this week, pray for those in our community and the world who go without.
This Lent let our fasting in whatever shape that takes, draw us closer to God by the acts of kindness we show all God’s people.
SUGGESTED:
Buy an item of food to donate to the Food Cupboard and personally bring it to the Church. Pause and pray for the families and individuals who are being blessed by these gifts of food.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, you are the bread of life.
We remember before you this week all who are in poverty and in need, whom it would be easy for us to forget.
Help us to love and support those who are broken in body, spirit or mind.
We pray for your Holy Spirit to bring them your peace and your love through the kindness of others and the service provided for them.
May they see your glory revealed through this kindness.
We ask this in your Holy name. Amen.