“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18           

What Did You Give Up for Lent?

    I was in elementary school when I first learned about giving up something for Lent.  My best friend, Nina, was a strong-willed good Catholic who thought all her friends should also give up something for Lent.  It wasn’t until later that I learned the theological meaning of Lenten sacrifice.  Reflecting on the practice I began to wonder if what I was giving up was healthy for me. What have you given up for Lent?  Chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, or something more subtle?  Something that would make you emotionally, physically, mentally, or financially healthy. 

    Perhaps you could give up red meat and eat more poultry and fish.  Or bread and potatoes for vegetables.  Or you could give up jealously and live in harmony. Or you could give up some couch/ TV time and exercise for 30 minutes a day. Or you could save $5 or $10 each week so you could feel more financially secure.  A change in lifestyle can become a habit in 30 -40 days.  

    Lent is a time when we remember that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and resisting temptation.  We do this in preparation of our own fasting and Lenten sacrifices throughout Lent.  Just as Jesus faced temptations in the desert, we too face many temptations in our everyday lives.  I encourage you to think about how you can better yourself, your family, your church, and your community during this important time of the year.

     Along with reminding us of our mortality, the ashes on Ash Wednesday are also reminders of grief; grief from the sins we have committed. We may not always be able to resist temptation as Jesus did, but Lent provides an opportunity to reflect, pray and repent for our sins. It’s a time for reflection, Bible study, prayer, and service so that we can cleanse our souls and renew our faith as we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

    We pray: Heavenly Father

   Thank you for the gift of this season. Thank you for knowing our hearts and our need for rhythms in our lives and drawing us into a deeper communion with you throughout the coming days. May we walk through this season intentionally, removing distractions that take our gaze away from your glory.  May we quiet the noise that pulls us from adoration of you and puts our attention on lesser things. May we simplify where we have been stressed, may we surrender what has been burdensome, may we repent of what has been sinful, Lord Jesus.  May we see your goodness and your glory in new ways throughout this season of Lent. May we know the depths of your love for us more fully.  May we feel the pain you endured for our sake, Jesus, and may we rejoice that you conquered every bit of evil when you rose to life again. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

   Parish Nurse,  Carolyn D. Pauling PhD RN