LENT 2025

STARVE YOUR SIN

There is a wonderful old poem called “To Keep a True Lent”. Its message is worth looking at as we begin this season of grace and opportunity.

Robert Herrick, who wrote the verses almost 400 years ago, relays the same message we hear from Jesus himself in the Gospel for Ash Wednesday: don’t be content with superficial gestures of “giving up” this or that; be ready to open your heart to this opportunity for conversion.

He links fasting with generosity to the poor: 

‘‘’tis a fast to dole thy sheaf of wheat,
and meat,
unto the hungry soul.” 

More deeply, he urges us to seek and accept the healing of our relationships:

“It is to fast from strife,
from old debate
and hate…”

The short poem concludes with a remarkable expression:

“To starve thy sin,
Not bin…”
Starve your sin.

That would be a great plan for a true Lent.

+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst