Lent: A Season of
Sharing and Caring
The Revd Chris Thomason, Chaplain
Lent, the 40-day journey leading to Easter, invites us to embrace the transformative power of sharing and caring. It’s a time to move beyond personal sacrifice and open ourselves to profound spiritual growth by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
The tradition of personal sacrifice during Lent, such as fasting, giving up a favourite food or breaking a bad habit, connects us to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, the true spirit of Lent extends beyond the individual pursuit of goodness. It calls us to share what we have with those in need, echoing the early Church’s emphasis on communal living and care for the vulnerable. By redirecting the resources we might have used on indulgences, we can embrace the powerful practice of giving.
This resonates with Pope Francis’ message to share everything and be ‘islands of mercy’. The act of sharing, whether through almsgiving or other acts of charity becomes a tangible expression of our care for others.
Today, we can continue this tradition of sharing and caring by supporting organisations like Anglicare WA, which work tirelessly to serve those in need within our community. By aligning our Lenten sacrifices with charitable giving, we fill this season with deeper meaning and purpose. Lent becomes an opportunity not just to reflect inwardly but to actively demonstrate compassion and service to others. It’s a time to ‘give it up’ not just for personal gain but for the betterment of our wider community.
Join with me this Lent and experience the profound joy of transforming personal sacrifice into a powerful force for good through sharing and caring!
My challenge to you is to give up an indulgence and donate what you would have spent to Anglicare WA so we can continue to drive positive outcomes with those in need and challenge barriers to thriving. Personally, I am giving up the daily barista-made coffee (unless passing Holy Grounds) for the 40 days and donating that money to Anglicare WA, but it could be chocolate, alcohol or anything else.
Let us embrace this season of introspection and renewal, and together, make a real difference in the world around us. As we share and care for one another, we deepen our relationship with God and experience the true meaning of Lent. Let this Lent be a time of radical generosity and compassionate action, a time to share our blessings and care for those in need.
