A reading from the Gospel of Matthew

When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’

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During Lent we do three things

• We pray more, there will be extra things going on in the chapel during Lent, either before school or during lunchtime. What do you want to pray for?  Who should you pray for?

 

• We give alms, in the same way that we contributed to the Hamper Campaign at Christmas, we will be doing the same again during Lent, what might you do either as an individual, or as a form group, to help those who need our help during Lent. After all, we may need their help one day

 

• We fast, we always hear about people giving up something for Lent. Sometimes people use this as an excuse to try and lose some weight. But we can also fast from our own time, the time we use to enjoy ourselves, and we can use that to help others, or pray for them. If someone were to help us, what would we want them to help us with? If someone were to pray for us, what would we want them to pray that happens? Someone somewhere will be wanting what you want, someone somewhere will need the help you need.

 

• Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, pancake day to most people. The word Shrove comes from the Old English word ‘shriven’ meaning forgiven.  On Wednesday, being Ash Wednesday we acknowledge that we need forgiveness, as others need our forgiveness.Lent reminds us that after he was baptised, before he started his ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. During that time he had to endure being tempted by the devil, but he stayed true to God. God asks us all to be true to him, he doesn’t demand it, he asks us, it is an invitation. During Lent there will be extra lunchtime things happening in the chapel. This Wednesday during lunch time there will be a service of Ashes in the chapel, where you will be able to receive ashes,   This coming Friday there will be benediction at 8am and we will pray the Stations of the Cross at lunchtime.  A good Lent increases our chances of going to Heaven, let’s make a good Lent this year.

 

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.  Let us see your face in all those we encounter who are in need.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,