Giving Up Something For Lent? Not so FAST

Ah Lent! The season of the universal Church’s liturgical year that is centered on penance. Also known as the time in which the Gloria and Alleluia are not sung and Mass tends to be slightly more solemn in order to provide an environment for reflection and humble prayer.

Year after year, since childhood I’m approached by an eager wide eyed person with the question, “So what are you giving up for lent this year?” When I would answer “chocolate” or “Starbucks” or “hamburgers” it always seemed that this was like some kind of competition rather than a spiritual sacrifice. My intent is not to undermine or discredit anybody’s Lenten sacrifice but I believe it’s crucial to note the reason for the season and that is to repent and draw closer to Christ who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ask yourself the following question. “If I decide to give up _____ this lent, how much closer will it bring me to God?” If you can provide a solid reason for how this sacrifice will please God and benefit you spiritually, then great. I’m sure many can say that “giving up ____” can make you more dependent on God or give you more time to spend with him and that just may mean you’re off the hook (well not quite). However for those of us who can’t find a good reason of why giving up cupcakes is a good idea, let’s challenge ourselves to take up something or three things rather than just giving up one.

Fasting

The Church has become a bit more lenient with the rules on fasting. The faithful are only technically required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. However you can fast at any time as a part of your personal Lenten observance. Abstinence from flesh meat is required on every Friday of lent (and yes chicken is cheating!) Fish is allowed because it was a poor man’s food and it is a symbol of Jesus (part time fisherman and full time Savior). Fasting and abstinence require discipline of the body and spirit! We have an opportunity to feel hunger which reminds us of our dependence on God and of our obligation to pray for our less fortunate brothers and sisters who experience hunger on a daily basis.

Prayer

Take this wonderful opportunity to make it a habit of spending more time with God. Set aside quiet time, whether it be in the car, in your room, or even in an adoration chapel to give thanks to God and to discern his will. Sometimes when we pray, we get so wrapped up in the “fix it Jesus” mentality that we forget that we should discern what he wants of us. Along with opening your heart to hearing God’s voice, pray for loved ones, leaders and teachers, government/authorities, the Holy Father and for all of their intentions whispered from the depths of their heart.

Almsgiving

Almsgiving is last, not because of decreased importance but because it stems from the first two. The hope is that through prayer, you discover that God wills that you serve and show mercy to poor, the broken, and the lowly ones. Through fasting, you are able to experience (not nearly to the same degree) what our disadvantaged brothers and sisters feel, therefore we can better serve them. Also it is intended that with the money you save and not feeding yourself for a little bit, you can give to those who desperately need it. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Let's get scriptural

Here are some scriptural guidelines for the three penitential principles mentioned above

Humility and self-denial are major keys!

Jesus said beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your father in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)

Fasting

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they neglect their appearance so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6: 16-18)

Prayer

“And whenever you pray do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6)

Almsgiving

“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and you Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6: 2-4)

I pray that this Lent will be an enriching experience for all of us and that we grow spiritually and in our love of God, I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever

Amen.