"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me."
Psalm 51:10

The Season of Lent is a time of preparation. As we prepare to celebrate the final days, death and resurrection of our Saviour, these words from the Psalmist (believed by many scholars to be the work of the young shepherd boy, David, who later became King) remind us of our need to change direction and be put right with God.

C. S. Lewis was one of the greatest Christian apologists of the 20th Century. He was a professor at two great English universities and wrote many novels as well as theological treatises. During the Second World War, one of his most famous books was entitled "Your God is too Small!" Recently, one of his famous novels, "The Narnia Chronicles" was made into a movie. It is filled with Christian themes and messages not often readily understood and/or appreciated by the general reader.

During Lent, we need to assess the direction we are going. Lewis reminds us: "If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the one who turns back soonest is the most progressive person... And I think if you look at the present state of the world, it is pretty plain that humanity has been making some big mistakes. We are on the wrong road. And if that is so, we must go back. Going back is the quickest way forward." While Lewis was describing his world in the l940s, isn't it ironic how timely his message is for us today!

Gracious Father, in this Holy Season help us prepare to worship You aright. You have promised to care for your people, "if" they turn to you. Forgive us for our failures of the past and help us now to turn our thoughts, our hearts and our actions toward You. Bless each of us with the gift of a "new and right spirit" that the world may see the good that we do and give the glory and honor to You. Amen.

Contributed by Don M.
Sunday March 5, 2006
Liturgical Year B Week 15