Thursday 26th February - Lent & Fasting

DAILY BYTE

Yesterday we reflected on the meaning of Ash Wednesday. Today we reflect on the meaning of Lent as a whole.

The season of Lent originates from the early days of the Church as a time to prepare for Easter. It is seen as a time of introspection, spiritual discipline, fasting and repentance (i.e. an active turning away from sin). The season begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the great celebration of Easter Sunday - a period of 40 days, not counting Sundays. The 40 days of Lent remind us of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, grappling with his purpose here on earth and facing the temptations of the devil.

The reason why Sundays are not counted in the 40 days is because Sunday, as the day of resurrection, has always been seen by the church as a feast day. This does not mean that the six Sundays in Lent are not an important part of this season. Far from it! They are like exclamation marks that remind us, in the midst of our fasting and penitence, of the hope of resurrection and the promised feast of new life that is in Christ.

Lent provides opportunity for people to take ‘spiritual’ stock of their lives as they consider their purpose here on earth and how they are fulfilling it. It’s also a chance to be drawn more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, which becomes the interpretive lens through which all things are viewed.

Traditionally, people have given up something for Lent (which is really a form of fasting) as a way of being continually reminded to pray, and as a sign of their desire to be filled and nourished by God and not by the superficial things of this world.

The list of things that people could give up as part of their Lenten discipline is virtually endless. It could include things like chocolate, sugar in your tea or coffee, junk food, fizzy drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, TV, red meat, speeding, shopping for anything other than essential foodstuffs, movies, wearing make-up or designer-clothing, browsing the internet, computer games, or even some of your sleep.

When choosing something to give up for Lent it is helpful to choose something that will be difficult to let go of, which will frequently remind you of your intention to trust God. Remember, that the point is not to try to prove how disciplined you are, but to reveal how attached you are to superficial things and your deep need for God’s help and grace.

But observing Lent is not just about ‘giving up’ something. It’s also about ‘taking on’ certain commitments – such as prayer, bible reading and acts of service towards others.

All of this may sound a little overwhelming. A little intense. A little daunting. Certainly, making a meaningful Lenten journey is not for the fainthearted – it requires discipline, commitment and perseverance. But be encouraged and reassured – you are not alone! There are others eager to make this journey also, and God’s own Spirit is promised to come to our aid. So go for it!

PRAY AS YOU GO

Loving God, I want to embrace this Lenten season as the gift that it is from you. But I am also afraid that it will expose my weaknesses, reveal my addictions, highlight my lack of discipline and unmask the poverty of my faith. Help me to see that these ‘humiliations’ are in fact the stepping stones to trusting you more fully. Hold my hand, O God, as I begin this quest with you. Amen.

FOCUS READING

Mark 1:14b-15 (The Message)

Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message."