Love, Pancakes, and Ashes: Walking the Way of Love
February often feels like a turning point. The days begin to lengthen, there is a subtle hint that spring may not be far away, and the church calendar gently invites us to reflect on love, honesty, and renewal.
February, of course, brings Valentine’s Day. For some, it means cards and flowers; for others, a quiet eye-roll. Yet at its heart, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love matters. In church, we speak of love in a broader and deeper way than romance alone. Christian love is shown through patience, kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness. It is present in families and friendships, in neighbours looking out for one another, and in the many small acts of care that often go unnoticed. Above all, it reflects God’s love for us – constant, generous, and always offered.
This year, February also leads us straight into Lent, beginning with Shrove Tuesday on 17 February and Ash Wednesday on 18 February. The change in tone can feel quite sudden, but it is a helpful one. Love is not only something to celebrate; it is something to practise and grow into, often by taking a thoughtful and honest look at ourselves.
Shrove Tuesday provides a lighter moment before Lent begins. Traditionally, it was a day to be “shriven” – to say sorry and make a fresh start – as well as a chance to use up rich foods before the simpler weeks ahead. Pancakes have become the best-known tradition. There is something reassuringly ordinary about them: simple ingredients, shared food, and often plenty of laughter. They remind us that faith is rooted in everyday life, and that joy and community are important parts of it.
Ash Wednesday feels very different. As ashes are marked on our foreheads, we hear words that remind us of our fragility and our need for God. These words are not meant to weigh us down, but to ground us. The ashes help us refocus on what truly matters and invite us to make space in our lives — letting go of habits or attitudes that make it harder to love God and one another well.
As we journey through February, Lent encourages us to keep love at the centre. That may mean making more time for prayer, being more generous, simplifying our lives, or taking up something positive that helps us grow in patience and compassion.
So, whether we are flipping pancakes, receiving ashes, or simply noticing the lighter evenings, may we remember that love runs through it all — a love shared with one another and rooted in God, who calls us always to begin again.
Rev Steve