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STEADFAST IN FAITH

Michael Turner, Vicar of the Close (Wednesday 1st March 2006)

March is said to often come in like a lion and go out like a lamb and it can be a surprising month. It was, as you will know, originally the first month of the Roman year. After the bleakness of the two preceding months, originally called simply ‘winter months’ and not given a name at all, the weather was set more fair for the Roman’s favourite occupation to begin, the art of making war, hence March (from Mars the god of war) was a good way to start the year. It is also the time for Christians to engage in warfare as well, though fittingly most of all in warfare with ourselves. The discipline of fasting, prayer, and outward charity should teach us to declare war on habits of indulgence, slackness and selfishness which so easily invade us. There is much building up to do in each of us – shall we see March/Lent as the opportunity for that? Surely nothing will keep from the Lent lectures on ‘Understanding Unbelief’, understanding surely with the aim of combating it, helping others to find their way through unbelief into an appreciation of that richness of life in Christ which could be theirs. Building up ourselves, building up each other. March coming in like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but we are resisting, steadfast in the faith. There are other journeys to undertake as well, a journey into Benedictine Spirituality, into the inspirational belief of T S Elliot, or into a balanced Christian life of work, rest and play. And it is all about being equipped for battle, shaping up to face life and having something to say about it in Christian terms, about the warfare for our souls. Coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb – all too soon March will draw us into that most sacrificial journey of all, the Lamb of God in his journey to the cross. If March is the first month of the Roman year then being better prepared to journey with Christ is surely a good new year’s resolution to make. Surprise yourself with how well you can keep it!

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