From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving. The
purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a
sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and
responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money
are particularly transforming.
During this season, many of our
Presbyterian Churches will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing
as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others. The
discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a
concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for
living. It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
Imagine this: A twice-weekly email playing
gentle music of instrumental ensembles featuring dulcimers, gentle
vocals and guitars and videos with instrumental music, together with a
message of preparation that is serene, clear-sighted and hope-filled–an
anti-dote to the dazed Spring atmosphere that is the backdrop for LENT. LENT is the 40-day season in the Christian tradition
that precedes the celebration of Easter. Traditionally in the church
year this is a season of preparation for baptism, or a season of fasting
and giving something up, or, for taking up a new discipline, a season
of reflection, repentance and renewal of faith. This is free and available to you and anyone with whom you share this.
Lent begins March 1. Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From
the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to
reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous
celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry, the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This
is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking
beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and
desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to
whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days. For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water. For 40 days he confronted his demons. For 40 days he prayed. For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life, of his reason for being, of his God-given mission. And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally,
the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for
personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed
commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days. Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days! In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today,
we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our
lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new
ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians
rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most
Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich
time. It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that the days are getting longer – Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes. And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent! Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith. Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture. Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21). Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving. The
purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a
sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and
responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money
are particularly transforming.
During this season, many of our
Presbyterian Churches will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing
as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others. The
discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a
concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for
living. It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
Fast from fear; Feast on faith. Fast from despair; Feed on hope. Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer. Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience. Fast from negative thinking; Feast on positive thinking. Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness. Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal. Fast from gravity; Feed on joy and humor. Fast from gossip; Feast on the Gospels. Fast from junk foods; Feast on the Bread of Life. Fast from bad news; Feast on “The Good News.” Fast from darkness; Feast on the Light. Fast from the secular; Feast on the sacred. Fast from despair; Feast on hope. Fast from revenge; Feast on forgiveness. Fast from tears of sorrow; Feast on tears of joy. Fast from getting; Feast on giving. Fast from complexities; Feast on simplicities. Fast from horror; Feast on humor. Fast from listlessness; Feast on laughter.
Fast from fear; Feast on faith. Fast from despair; Feed on hope. Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer. Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience. Fast from negative thinking; Feast on positive thinking. Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness. Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal Fast from gravity; Feed on joy and humor.
"Do you realize how soon Ash Wednesday is? Shoot, y’all, it’s time to start praying on what you’re going to do for Lent."
A few years ago, Meg Hunter-Kilmer posted 100 Things to do for Lent . . . organanized around the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Peruse for some great ideas for stimulating your observance of Lent this year.
