These days we use any number of toppings and flavourings to take away the blandness of the pancake. Although these make them more delicious to eat, it is the pancake that provides the nourishment. As we travel through life, there are many things that make up the routine of daily living, and it is important that we have discipline and routine in our lives. Then there are those things which provide the special times along the way – the meal out, a visit to the cinema, a holiday. All of these things we look forward to when they are planned, and see them as highlights in our lives.
As we approach the season of Lent, I can’t help but think about Easter and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. There are some important events which we need to consider before we reach that point. Of course, the day before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day, or Mardi Gras, whichever you like to call it. Shrove Tuesday came about as it was the final opportunity to use some ingredients that were not permitted to be used during the season of Lent, and in those far off days there were no ways of keeping them fresh, as we might these days. So, pancakes were the meal of the day – simple to make and easy to use up ingredients which would otherwise be wasted.
As we enjoy our pancakes next week, I hope that after Lent we can look forward to the celebration of Easter, which is the highest point of the Christian calendar – the resurrection of Jesus. (And perhaps celebrate with an Easter Egg!)
With God’s love and blessings.
Revd Graham
