Reflections on Lent
Christian faiths are entering into the Lenten season in preparation for Easter. The bad before the good, is one way of looking at it. Another, I believe, is an opportunity for self-reflection as the traditional Lenten activity is to give something up during this period. I like this article that addresses this issue.
When I was a child, growing up in the conservative Catholic faith, I always had the very best of intentions when giving something up for Lent. As I still do today, I engaged in internal monologues where I'd battle what I had been taught was the pull of Satan when I felt swayed toward violating the promise I had made, like to not eat candy or to go to Mass every day.
Gradually, as I explored my faith and spirituality, I moved away from this view of Lent to one where I see Lent as a place where I dive deeper into what it means to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ in the world (thank you, Rev. Mary Cole-Duvall, Rev. Jeanie Smith and the congregation of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, West Des Moines, Iowa).
Two years ago my concentration was on why I hesitate to give money to people standing on the street corners by the freeways. I spent the 40 days and 40 nights doing research, reading articles, talking to social workers and others who work with the homeless, asking for their opinion. Do I give them money? Do I buy gift cards to local restaurants, coffee shops, fast food places? How about the 'kits' of high energy bars, dried fruits and nuts? Or hygiene articles?
Why was I so worked up over this? Why didn't I just give when I had money to give? Why did I reach for the $1 rather than the $5?
Fast forward--I don't hesitate. I give whatever I have in my wallet. And it took a while to JUST DO IT without entering into the light and dark argument in myself about rolling down the window, smiling and handing it over.
Last year the struggle was listening with the intent to understand rather than with the intent to respond. Let's just say this is still a struggle.
This year I would like to have my heart open wider to those who don't hear the words of Christ the same way as I hear them. Any help you can offer is much appreciated.
I'm a fan of Pope Francis and found both challenge and solace in his suggestions for fasting this Lent.
Cooking:
Given that it's mid week, I have nothing to offer today. Anyone want to post a tried and true recipe in the comments?
When I was a child, growing up in the conservative Catholic faith, I always had the very best of intentions when giving something up for Lent. As I still do today, I engaged in internal monologues where I'd battle what I had been taught was the pull of Satan when I felt swayed toward violating the promise I had made, like to not eat candy or to go to Mass every day.
Gradually, as I explored my faith and spirituality, I moved away from this view of Lent to one where I see Lent as a place where I dive deeper into what it means to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ in the world (thank you, Rev. Mary Cole-Duvall, Rev. Jeanie Smith and the congregation of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, West Des Moines, Iowa).
Two years ago my concentration was on why I hesitate to give money to people standing on the street corners by the freeways. I spent the 40 days and 40 nights doing research, reading articles, talking to social workers and others who work with the homeless, asking for their opinion. Do I give them money? Do I buy gift cards to local restaurants, coffee shops, fast food places? How about the 'kits' of high energy bars, dried fruits and nuts? Or hygiene articles?
Why was I so worked up over this? Why didn't I just give when I had money to give? Why did I reach for the $1 rather than the $5?
Fast forward--I don't hesitate. I give whatever I have in my wallet. And it took a while to JUST DO IT without entering into the light and dark argument in myself about rolling down the window, smiling and handing it over.
Last year the struggle was listening with the intent to understand rather than with the intent to respond. Let's just say this is still a struggle.
This year I would like to have my heart open wider to those who don't hear the words of Christ the same way as I hear them. Any help you can offer is much appreciated.
I'm a fan of Pope Francis and found both challenge and solace in his suggestions for fasting this Lent.
Cooking:
Given that it's mid week, I have nothing to offer today. Anyone want to post a tried and true recipe in the comments?
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