Parish Newsletter - Week 6, 2026

We now enter the liturgical season of Lent. It's a penitential season of prayer, self-examination, fasting, and giving to charity. In the modern world we often give up favourite foods, or treats, luxuries or vices, to mirror Jesus’s time fasting for 40 days in the desert, fighting temptation and preparing for his earthly ministry.

Even so, there is a deeper meaning to Lent, one that the church calls Metanoia (μετάνοια). Derived from the Greek words meta, which means beyond and nous, meaning the mind. Metanoia means a fundamental change of mind or heart. It signifies a new way of thinking and understanding, a transformative shift in one's perspective, heart, or way of life, almost always involving repentance, spiritual conversion, or profound psychological growth after a crisis. It implies a deep inner reorientation, leading to a new outlook and a commitment to a better path.

Jesus called for metanoia from the very beginning of his public ministry, notably in Mark 1:15 and Matthew 4:17, stating, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!". This call wasn't a one-time event. Throughout his ministry, Jesus continually invited us to change our perspective on life. To turn away from self-centredness & sin and the material temptations of this work and reorient our thinking towards God’s kingdom.

Lent then reminds us it is time to turn back to God, recognising our failings and striving for a renewed, more faithful life. It is a call to grace. It moves us beyond superficial piety to embrace the difficult but rewarding path of repentance and a deeper understanding of Jesus' suffering. It is empowering, as we lean on Jesus to give us strength to work on our spiritual growth. In essence, Lent is a spiritual reset, to align one's heart and life more closely with the Christ, making the Easter Triduum

 celebration of His triumph over death more profound.

Lent is also the solemn prelude to Easter, building anticipation for the joy of the resurrection, meditating on Christ’s suffering and crucifixion during Holy Week. Practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving then become spiritual exercises to build self-control and focus on God rather than worldly desires.

Can we respond to Jesus's call to metanoia and wake up to the present reality of God's kingdom? Can we embrace a new way of living, thinking, and being?

Can we start this transformation this Lent?