Lent – Beyond the Physical

 

This pebble is included in a tray of pebbles and shells in our main bathroom which have been collected, painstakingly I might add, by Mrs C on our various excursions to Cornish beaches. I chose this one because it can be seen in some ways as a symbol of our common humanity. It is regular in shape so easily identifiable, contains both rough and smooth parts and the various colours are a celebration of our diversity. It is a symbol of the physicality of God’s creation.

 We are now into the first week of Lent, that forty-day period when we begin to look forward to Easter and the promise of new life offered to us by Christ’s resurrection. Spiritually, some of us use this period for greater devotions symbolised either by abstaining from something or perhaps doing something different to their normal routine for example, fasting on certain days or going on a pilgrimage. With me, I come off Facebook so I can (hopefully) occupy my mind with more meaningful matters.

 When Lent ends and Easter comes, do we perhaps look back and think about the spiritual side of our being during this time rather than the mere physical? Do we consider our spiritual motivations? Did we do what we did out of habit or expectation? Was it solely down to adherence to a religious belief, or a chance to make some kind of statement through the medium of one’s own personal interpretation of that belief? These are all legitimate questions, and you will find a great variety of answers, neither right nor wrong, within them. However, as we know, there are many who find themselves abstaining not just for Lent but throughout the year because of their economic situation, or because of war or more recently, the terrible earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. In other words, they are enduring not only beyond the mere physical but also enduring the impact on their spiritual well-being too.

As writers, many of us seek to explore our own spirituality whether from a faith perspective or just because of the opportunity for inner peace and tranquillity. I write poetry when I wish to express myself in more spiritual terms, whether through a bereavement or the joy of my grandchildren being born. Others use more artistic pursuits like music, photography, painting, sculpting, pottery, basket weaving and many more similar activities to get in touch with their spiritual side. The pebble image above represents the physical beauty of creation, while spiritual beauty is achieved through the pursuit of that inspired from within.

Spirituality has become increasingly associated with secular values rather than religious ones, Paul very often contrasted the spirit of the world with the Spirit from God. As Christians however, we ARE guided by the Holy Spirit who points the way should we choose to follow and through prayer, we ask our Lord and Saviour to be our listening ear so that the spirit may come upon us.

 Perhaps given the continuing troubles of this world, we might pause to reflect during this period of Lent to look beyond our physical being and instead, seek to reach more inside our spiritual selves.

 

 

 

Michael Cronogue originally from London now resides in Walsall in West Midlands region of UK. Writer and blogger discussing matters of faith and theology on his website www.michaelcronogue.com