I am away as a I write at a gathering of Ministry Area Leaders from Bangor Diocese. If you do not know what a Ministry Area is then I commmend to you the Church in Wales Review. The formation of Ministry Areas is a recognition that the Church in Wales cannot keep on doing things as we have done.

I am struck by the collegiality of the group: the honesty, vulnerability, kindness and wit that is evident as we listen, talk and laugh with each other.

It serves as a reminder that Lent is not done alone.

Some of you will have done a double take. Jesus is forced into the wilderness. He is on his own; and yet even in Mark’s gospel which gives the briefest description, he is not quite alone. He is with wild animals and the angels are ministering to him. Jesus listens to God. Jesus listens to the created order. He is not alone.

As I return to the Ministry Area after being with colleagues, I am mindful that I am not alone.