Some people find it surprising that I like Lent. I really do like Lent. To me, Lent is a gift from the Church that invites me to step out of the ordinary madness of life and to slow the game of life down. Some friends of mine who are very holy say they refuse to “give things up” for Lent because they say denial eliminates joy. Other friends that I consider very holy say that to “give things up for Lent” is a meaningful discipline that leads to transformation.
I personally welcome Lent as a time of discipline. I do “give things up” but not to seek God’s favor. Rather, by fasting from certain things, I am led by the Holy Spirit to see those things that block my view of God or block my ability to see my neighbors needs.
As you consider a Lenten discipline you might want to think about:
- Meatless Wednesday’s and Friday’s not only to focus on a spiritual discipline regarding eating but also to live out issues of social justice. The amount of grain that it takes to feed a cow for meat production, would feed over 100 people around the world. By simplifying one’s eating life one connects with the poor and the hungry and works to support their needs.
- Extra time in prayer and devotion through the Word brings one before the presence of God to be transformed in powerful ways.
- Continuing to look at one’s life in order to simplify and reduce participation in consumerism.
- To serve God by serving neighbor.
- A time of silent retreat for two or three days to be with the Word and before the Word.
The Lenten discipline is to support the stripping away of those things that keep one from seeing God.