The Power of a Purposeful Lent
Today is the start to the Liturgical Season of Lent. Lent is often times looked at as a set of rules about not eating meat on Fridays and a time of giving something up; a fairly militaristic/dictatorial outlook if you ask me. I’m not going to get into the specifics about fasting and why we do it, or about what the Church teaches about Lent. What I want to get into is the power that a purposeful Lent can have for a person. As with most things, if we choose to “get by” with the minimum, we’re not going to get much out of it. If, however, we decide to embrace the teachings and challenges of Lent, I believe that we will gain a great deal.
For many of us, Lent tends to be a time of re-commitment, year after year. In order for Lent to be powerful and to make a difference this year (as opposed to Lent being just a period of 40 days that bore no spiritual fruit – like last year), we must be purposeful in our decisions and lifestyle. I suggest that you write you plan down. After you write your plan down, read it regularly. I also suggest that you tell someone else your plan so that they can hold you accountable to your word. Do the same for them.
I suggest that everyone not only give something up (broccoli and peas don’t count) but add some things as well. I typically add a form of prayer, a form of discipline and a form of service to my fasting choice(s). This year, my wife and I (for our family) decided to only purchase the essentials at the grocery store (milk, bread, vegetables, fruit, etc. – the stuff that goes bad quickly) and to eat what’s already in the house, including, no meals out. It’s a fiscal decision and a simplification decision. I’ve made a commitment to making a workout a priority again, to praying the stations of the cross every week, whether by myself or in a group and I’m going to volunteer at least one day at Habitat for Humanity. The “give up” part of my Lenten devotion this year is to only consume water as a beverage, no other liquids (Pepsi, tea, etc). Ouch! In your journey, it might be too much to add a bunch of stuff. Add something, even if it appears to be small. If you can’t handle the small stuff, you’ll never be able to handle the big stuff. May your Lent be powerful.
Man up!
