WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LENT?

Lent is a forty day period of preparation leading up to Easter. Sundays are not included in this count as they are considered feast days. The forty days reflects the days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing the way for His ministry. This is the purpose of Lent for us as Christians, to remember His journey. It is a time for repentance, reflection and spiritually rededicating ourselves to this journey. For some this period is a time of fasting, refraining from the things or activities that we enjoy and devoting ourselves to spiritual reflection. When we are willing to give up something we depend on, we remember our dependence on God. Fasting doesn’t have to go on for the full forty days, although some Christians choose to do so, as we “all” should, but to take a twenty-four hour period, or whatever works for you to give that one thing up and reflect on why you are doing so. How tough can it be? Jesus did it and a “WHOLE” lot more! Fasting is not just about giving up the things we enjoy, favored foods, sweets, etc., but it’s about breaking some bad habits such as too much television, complaining, and maybe judging others. Cultivating new spiritual attitudes and practices is another approach to the season of Lent and they are as follows below:

Fast from criticism, and feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy.
Fast from ill-temper, and feast on peace.
Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment.
Fast from jealousy, and feast on love.
Fast from pride and feast on humility

However you observe this season of Lent, may it deepen your spiritual self with love and devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6: 16-18
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we journey through this week of Lent, help us to renew our spirit and turn away from worldly distractions and focus more on you. In your precious name we pray. Amen