This week is the beginning of Lent. Jesus was baptised by John and then went into the wilderness to be tested by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus' baptism was his first decisive public action and it was here that he realised the enormity of what lay ahead of him Once John recognised who Jesus was and a voice from heaven confirmed this, things were never going to be the same again. It was only natural that he would want to withdraw to the wilderness to think through the implications. For us 'wilderness' times happen following a moment of decision or realisation. This could be a sense of vulnerability when something new has begun, frustration when things are not as we would like them to be or of anti climax when a difficult situation has passed. We can feel caught within a culture of competence where people assume that we are coping when in fact we are not - as Stevie Smith says - 'not waving but drowning'. Be kind to yourself and gentle to others; if someone says that they are struggling then they might mean just that.

Weekly reflections on the Gospel for the coming Sunday are available on request. They will come once a week and will never be more than 200 words. If you would like to receive these emails then please email the Parish Secretary