‘Hot Cross’ about Hot Cross Buns
The sale of hot cross buns in supermarkets seems to occur earlier each year, and in 2022, the first buns appeared on the 26th of December, hardly a breath away from the Christmas festivities. The reaction and views to this ‘new tradition’ is quite diverse, from “Ridiculous!”, to “The cross has certain significance which is not relevant all year round, so supermarkets should not sell them”, and “Hot cross buns should be sold all year round to save the anxiety of those with little else to worry about. I don’t understand why some folk are so worried and hung up about when retailers start selling hot cross buns.” The perspectives and relative importance of tradition, rite and ritual, economics, culinary pleasure and the link to the most holy of times in the Christian Calendar all play a part in the ongoing debate of when to sell and/or eat hot cross buns.
As we all know, Lent is a time of significant spiritual reflection and preparation for Easter. In the last News4Leaders, Mignon provided one important way to experience Lent, and I offer several other rituals which can help us to enhance our experience of Lent:
- Setting aside time each day to read passages from the bible and reflect on its meaning and application to daily life.
- Spending time in prayer.
- Taking a day or weekend to attend a spiritual retreat or spend time in quiet reflection away from the daily distractions of life.
- Finding opportunity to serve others.
“For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.” – Galatians 5:5
I pray that we go well beyond the hot cross bun debate, and that through the Lenten season we can deepen our relationship with God.
Craig Fielke
