Reflections on Lent

Having not been raised in a denomination that celebrated the Church traditions, I have recently found myself curious about the meaning of Lent.  Friends in high school would often complain about what they were giving up for Lent: chewing gum, sodas, candy bars, pizza, etc.  I was familiar with the practice of fasting of meals, but not this giving up of seemingly “trivial” things; it never made much sense to my non-Catholic mind.

For the past 10 years my faith has undergone what I call a metamorphosis into a deeper and more sober approach to my relationship with God.  To make a long story short, the evolution of my faith journey has led me to examine some of the Church traditions and their meanings to see if they hold any value for my morphing faith.

A new friend told me a story about the impact that an Ash Wednesday service had on her husband.  The pastor posed the question, “what are you giving up for Lent?”  I think the core of the message focused on the fact that if one gives up something for Lent, that it must be replaced with something of greater value that would have a significant impact on their spiritual life.  After the homily, her husband told her that he was giving up holding grudges and replacing it with forgiveness.

What if we were to give up any of the following that applies to us?

“sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these…”

And replace them with any/all of the following:

“…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5:19-24 NLT)

While giving up certain food items for Lent may be beneficial to our waist line and health, their long term effects are minimal. If we can surrender our base human instinctual behaviors and replace them with the spiritual fruit that comes from our relationship with Christ, the effects will be profoundly eternal.

Lent comes at a time when the days are growing longer and longer.  What if we used this time to lengthen ourselves spiritually, and grow in our knowledge of Christ?  It’s only 40 days long.  What if we replace some of the “stuff” in our lives with the Fruit of His Spirit?  Where will we be next year, spiritually?  Isn’t it counterproductive to revel in Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday and repent in ashes on Ash Wednesday?

So, what will we give up for Lent this year? I don't know about you, but I have quite a list…

Blessings my human friends.