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Lent is an odd sort of season. Some find it to be the center point of their faith. Others see it as a stumbling block. Some simply feel it is ”too Catholic” and not a part of their tradition. Others have no idea what I’m talking about. I tend to go back and forth on the issue. It drives me crazy when folks brag about what they are “giving up” for Lent and can’t wait for each Sunday when they can enjoy their forbidden treat. Others seem to revel in the pain they impose upon themselves as they take on a new discipline or practice. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is helpful to focus on one’s faith and Lent is as good a time as any to do so but sometimes I think we forget why. I fear that too often folks forget the admonition Jesus gives in Matthew’s gospel:
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them…
The word Lent describes the lengthening of each day as we approach the arrival of Spring (which can’t come quickly enough as I look at the foot of snow that has fallen since last night). As we’ve done with many words, we Christians have co-opted an Anglo-Saxon word to reflect this season prior to the celebration of Easter. Lent is the forty days plus Sundays (hence the option to eat chocolate and guzzle carbonated beverages on Sundays) where Christians are to journey just as did Jesus in the wilderness preparing for the passion and celebration to come.
As I’ve reflected this week on the beginning of Lent I’ve been stewing on stretching. I can’t wait for the lengthening of the days and the arrival of spring. Lengthening seems passive or at the very least the result of something outside of my control. Stretching takes effort, sometimes a bit of pain, but the result is renewing. When I don’t stretch regularly it isn’t just my neck that is out of whack, it is my entire being body and soul. I get cranky. I can’t focus. I feel sluggish.
Stretching one’s faith might be the same – it takes effort and is sometimes painful but the result. Oh, the result.
So if folks ask me what I’m giving up or taking on for Lent I’m going to tell them I’m stretching.
image: http://www.relaxtheback.com/stretching-book-spiral-bound.html
Wow, you hit on a sore spot for me. While I believe that lent could be used as a time of focus, I’m not sure well how those who tend to go around asking the “lent question” really do it. I loved your perspective…thanks for giving me a different perspective. If you don’t mind, please come and check out my site at chanceman4. My name is Chris Chance and there is a link on my blog to listen to my CD, “Following You” featuring “You” and “His Prints Are in the Sand”. We are trying to get this project up and moving, so anything you can do and any way you could pass it on would be greatly appreciated. Also you can go to http://www.noisetrade.com/chrischance. Hope you enjoy and are blessed by it!!!!
Thanks and God Bless!
Chris
thanks for your thoughts Chance – I look forward to listening your music!
Oooh I like it! Definitely can relate to the neck/body issues. My experience tells me (although I have to remind myself daily) that when I DO stretch on a regular basis, it isn’t as painful, and I get more out of it. Hmm…..
Oh, and the thing I’m giving up for Lent…….clutter!
Um, you mean to tell me that I can indulge on Sundays? I thought real Christians were hard core when they gave up stuff. Bummer, I already missed one Sunday. I can’t even deprive myself correctly.