Here’s a DIFFERENT TAKE on Lent
In sacramental circles, one often hears this question at this time of year …
“So, what are you giving up for Lent?”
For those of you unfamiliar with Lent, it is a season of focused preparation as Easter approaches. An extended re-dedication, if you will. You might consider it “spring cleaning for the soul.” As we all live our lives, accumulating some of the dirt and dust of the world is inevitable. Before you know it, your hands and feet are not as clean as they used to be.
Lent is a time to examine our lives, our walk, our relationships – and to get deliberate about letting the light shine on them. Strengthen some spiritual muscles, polish a few of our Christian skills. You might even liken it to spring training; a sort of getting ready for the season ahead. It is certainly not done so that we can be a Christian; that issue was settled when we confessed with our mouth that “Jesus Is LORD” and believed in our heart that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10) Lent is a time to fix things so that we can be a better Christian.
Many believers in Jesus choose to fast during this time. Some people fast one or two meals a week, some fast a meal a day. Others fast a particular item such as coffee, soft drinks or chocolate. It’s a way to tell your body that you’re taking charge again. Deliberately removing something that brings pleasure in order to be more disciplined overall.
So, in the words of Pope Francis, here are some things you may want to consider fasting for Lent:
- FAST from hurting words and say kind words
- FAST from sadness and be filled with gratitude
- FAST from pessimism and be filled with hope
- FAST from worries and have trust in God
- FAST from pressures and be prayerful
- FAST from bitterness and fill your heart with joy
- FAST from selfishness and be compassionate to others
- FAST from grudges and be reconciled
Post a reply to this message, and let me know what YOU are doing for Lent this year.
