Reepham Benefice

Halfway through lent we still think of three temptations of Jesus. What are comparable temptations for us - perhaps to rely on instant and fast food instead of local food perhaps to spin an image of ourselves instead of simply being ourselves and perhaps to achieve great worldly success.

It is good to look to those who lead a religious life in monastic institutions. St David, whose day it is on Monday lived in 7th century and founded 12 monasteries. His rules included fasting. And the rule against alcohol earned him the nickname "the water man". The purpose of fasting is to train the body more readily to pray. His rule to avoid unnecessary speech was to encourage silence. St David's monks Worked in the garden and copied manuscripts. Their role as beekeepers needed daily work. They also cared for the sick and poor. They grew leeks for health and strength and to give to the poor. From today's lesson we learn that We can't earn salvation by being good and Being good doesn't protect us from misfortune. King David is a fore runner of Jesus despite flaws in his character. David was a musician who wrote and sang the psalms. We are called to sing and to pray. David was magnanimous to his enemies  We are called to live at peace with people with whom we disagree. Lent is a time to examine our way of life. To cultivate habits to help us resist to rely on say fast food or spin or seek only material success for ourselves.

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