Rev Mary Causer: Lent and what this time of year means for me

pancakes. Each year Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by recognising our conscience and where we would like to see change in the way we live, reflection, fasting and ultimately celebration. It sounds difficult, doesn’t it? Or is that just me? My daughter did 31 minutes of exercise each day in January for a charity. I saw how difficult the middle two weeks were for her: it made me think of the truth about Lent – it is not supposed to be easy.

and was tempted by Satan. Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection plus maybe setting something aside, or even adding to your month by being generous. There are plenty of generous calendars, with something different every day for us to do: Tearfund, Cafod and 40acts are just some of them.

We are moving towards the season of Easter in the Christian calendar, a time of expectation, a time of hope for many in our Trust and beyond. Lent starts on 22 February, after all the

It has to make us feel a little frustrated and even grumpy at times. If you observe Lent, and know you fail every year, then choose something else for the month. Giving something up or even doing something new can be difficult. Many people feel they fail at it, and if we do, does God think any less of us? Of course not.

The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted

This year, chaplaincy will be offering the blessing of ashes (a sign of the cross on your forehead) as we walk around the wards. We won’t be taking much of your time, simply offering a quick one line prayer before administering the ash. We recognise how busy the Trust is and thought this would be easier for you.

Chaplains will be available in Sandwell, City, Rowley Regis and Leasowes: keep an eye out for them. If you want us to come somewhere specific please email mary.causer@nhs.net