Lent: Celtic-style

Something that captures my attention about Celtic Christians is the simplicity of their faith. I think we have much to learn from Celtic Christianity in our busy lives, with overcomplicated schedules and endless church meetings.


Their joy was not based on achievement or material possessions, but in loving and caring for each other and in being grateful for all that God had created for them and blessed them with. I think we need to rediscover that sense of simplicity, thankfulness and wonder - perhaps by fasting from the things that shackle us or get in the way of our relationship with God. Lent is an excellent time to begin living more simply.


What will you give up or take up for Lent?

He is risen!

Today on this Easter Sunday, and after a wonderful week of fasting from Internet communication, I want to share with you a very personal message that I've written as love poem to God:

Stone upon stone

upon river 

upon stream

my Lover is calling

He is beckoning to me.

A love consummated on a cross

and sealed in a tomb.

we rise to new life

                                  Bride and Bridegroom.

                                   (Liz Babbs)

Ash Wednesday Reflection

I have just been to a very moving Anglican Choral Eucharist service which was a wonderful way to begin Lent. I thought I'd share with you a prayer from the liturgy which I found particularly helpful: 

For these forty days

you lead us to into the desert of repentance

that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline 

we may grow in grace

and learn to be your people once again. 

Though fasting, prayer and acts of service

you bring us back to your generous heart. 

Through study of your holy word

you open our eyes to your presence in the world 

and free our hands to welcome others

into the radiant splendour of your love.

(Eucharistic Prayer)

When we are marked with ashes, it is a sign of the spirit of penitence which we retain throughout the season of Lent. Ashes are also a symbol of our own mortality and remind us that we are but dust, and to dust we shall return.