THE signs of spring are all around, daffodils appearing in the flower beds, birds singing and the fields full of lambs. In the wider world there are also welcome signs of new life, especially in the peace process in the Middle East.

In the Christian calendar we are now well into the season of Lent, a word which itself means 'spring' in old English. It is a season in which we reflect on the 40 days which Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. He was tempted by the devil, being offered instant gratification, rescue from folly and absolute power; temptations which he utterly rejected.

It is a time when each of us would do well to reflect on the temptations in our own lives. Traditionally people have given up something which they particularly enjoy during Lent, a sign of personal self-discipline. More positively, we could do something more in our lives, not least to set aside time in the midst of all our busyness for God, to pray that the signs of hope and peace will take root and grow, to give new life for millions of our fellow human beings.

Preb. Dr Colin Beevers, team rector, Ledbury Team Ministry.