Practicing Lent
Reflection by Bridget Kokolis
What are you giving up for Lent? I’ve heard that question over and over each year for the last decade. Growing up Baptist, Lent was not a term that I was familiar with. Whether you have grown up taking part in Lent, or are new to it, this practice has been a part of Christianity from early on. There is some evidence of its existence during the lives of the apostles, although it was not officially formalized until 325AD. Either way, Lent has been around for an incredibly long time. Unfortunately, I only began participating in this season in my late twenties but have grown a great appreciation for it and the impact it has had on my spiritual journey. What do you find meaningful about this season?
Traditionally, it has been a time of prayer and fasting. This was based upon Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness after his baptism as he prepared for his ministry on earth. In the early church, Lenten fasting was regulated by the Church. Typically, people would fast from meat and only take one meal per day. Over time, this fasting has evolved into a variety of choices, depending on one’s denomination. Whatever is chosen, typically we give up something that will “hurt” a little. Maybe it’s fasting from buying anything new, perhaps you give up chocolate, TV, or coffee. The possibilities are endless.
Many have found that in addition to giving up something, that they are often more fulfilled and actively engaged in the season when they in turn take on something too. I have certainly found this to be true in my life as well. Whether it was a special Bible study, acts of kindness, or intentional time of prayer and devotion; the commitment of taking on these things has added more depth to my personal experience of Lent. Maybe we could also start asking, what are you taking on during Lent?
What are the things that we can do or participate in that draw us closer to God this season? How can we prepare our hearts to be able to comprehend the enormity of what Christ did on the cross for us? Easter isn’t something to be taken lightly, it is life altering and world changing. Whatever we do, may it harken back to Philippians 2 and remind us to be of the same mind as Christ who with humility served and loved others, and humbled himself to death on a cross. Jesus’ life work was saving the world and teaching us to love God and love others, unconditionally. What are ways that we can choose these next few weeks to embody Jesus’ example?
Consider these words attributed to Pope Francis: “Do you want to fast this Lent? Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.”
How would it change our lives and those around us if we did just a few of these things? Whether we give up, take on, or do a combination of both this Lenten season, let us do so with intention as we seek to imitate Christ’s love and draw closer to our Creator.