So, today is Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent, the weeks leading up to Good Friday and Easter. People have been known to give up all sorts of things for Lent including chocolate, caffeine, sex, meat, swearing, and TV. This year the hot items to give up seem to be Facebook and blogging.
The original idea was that Lent was a time prayer and reflection on the suffering and sacrifice Jesus endured when he died on the cross. Fasting from something would be a small way of joining in Christ’s sacrifice. Plus every time you feel a desire for what you’re fasting for it can be a reminder to pray.
IMO, it’s too bad this tradition has become cliché, that people give up things that are arbitrary or not much of a sacrifice, and that it often becomes either a demonstration of will power or something the person whines about every day for 6 weeks.
But I do think it’s great to give something up if its something meaningful and it’s done for the purpose of drawing closer to God.
I’m not planning to give anything up for Lent. A few years ago I fasted from sun down on Good Friday through sunrise on Easter morning, and during each of the 4 meals during that time I read one of the 4 Gospel accounts of Jesus arrest, trial, and crucifixion. That was a meaningful experience and something I might do again this year. I also plan on watching the movie the Passion of the Christ.
How about you? Are you giving up anything for Lent? Do you do anything else that helps you focus on Jesus death and resurrection during this season?