March 2014 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Pen

 

 

 

The Challenge of Lent

Christians around the world observe Lent, the 40-day period preceding Easter, through fasting and sacrifice.  The traditional practice of giving something up for Lent is an act of sacrifice intended to strengthen one's bond with God. Adults may choose to give up food items or enjoyable hobbies during this period, and children and teens can also learn appreciation and sacrifice during the Lenten season by doing without a fun object or activity.

Among the latest things to “give up” are (Get ready!) video games, shopping malls, driving, social networking, or your favorite toy. Some of us are not ready to give up the above without a bit more thought.  Oftentimes we start lent with great anticipation only to find that we are too committed to that which we gave up. On the other hand, we might find that the item given up was so little missed that we consider giving it up permanently. An example would be giving up smoking; if indeed you could do that for six weeks, why not forever?

I want to issue a challenge. This year instead of giving up something, why not try taking on something for lent? By this I mean taking an inventory of what is missing in your life and using the season of Lent to “try it out.” If it turns out that you aren’t comfortable with this new-found aspect of your life, you can ditch it in just six short weeks and go back to your old ways.

This year why not look at the life of Christ and take on something truly Christlike. I’m thinking of COMPASSION or CARING as starters. What if we began showing a bit more caring for our fellow human beings? What if we saw in the life of Christ a desire to be more FORGIVING or more GENEROUS? What if we actually saw in the life of Christ a desire to be ACCEPTING of lifestyles different from our own? Or what if we chose to take on CONFESSION as a way to deepen our spiritual foundation?

Throughout the weeks leading up to Easter, let’s think less about giving up a desired habit only to take it up again. Let’s give serious thought to imitating Christ and enriching our lives. Who knows - we might enjoy it so much we won’t give it up come Easter.