Some people celebrate Lent because it brings out their inner strength; they give up alcohol, or sugar or social media. And it truly is quite exciting to succeed at this challenge, and on Easter, celebrate that victory. But it shouldn’t be that way.
The actual purpose behind fasting and sacrifice is to help us connect with the suffering of Jesus. We give up something we desire – a luxury, a habit, or even an excuse. Giving up things that take up our time will open our schedule for prayer, but also to do other things that bring us closer to God. These things could be spending more time with family, or improving our health and mindset.
In today’s time, we can’t imagine fasting in a desert for 40 days, unless it is some sort of organized retreat. We rarely feel true hunger. We are not faced with such challenges, especially by choice.
What is the hardest thing for you to do?
Is it to admit you are wrong? Or say nothing, even if you are right. Is it to find will power and do something you hate, or not do something you desire? Is it forgiving someone you trusted that betrayed you?
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, fasting, praying and trusting God.
Imagine the suffering Jesus would soon have to endure. No one is strong enough to be accept betrayal, bullying, crucifixion and death; all while knowing that no matter what, it WOULD happen, and that it was the plan of His Father. Jesus knew His trust in God had to be tested, just like many before him.
During these days, Jesus was tempted to follow, his God given, human will. He was tempted with hunger, territory, and human pride. His humility and trust in God did not break.
Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1) and when tempted by the devil, He did not have to fight on his own human strength.
As His physical strength diminished, His will and spiritual strength flourished.
When we believe in God and His plan for us; we pray that His hand will be with us throughout our life’s journey, and not lead us to temptation, so that we can do his will, while also having our
Building a better World…
Before the internet and technology, we knew and saw less, so in a way we avoided sin. Now, we have no choice but to accept the sin around us. Is it all acceptable?
Why are innocent people dying in plane crashes caused by missiles? Or from wars that they themselves didn’t start. Why are young mothers dying of cancer; and babies? Why do families split up; why are children mean to other children?
When the bulk of our happiness is from material possessions, luxuries, and our pride, it’s easy to forget about those less fortunate and the unacceptable things happening around us. We may sweep the issues under the rug, because we can’t do anything about it.
Pope Francis
During Lent, do whatever you need to do find your spiritual strength, whether that is giving up something or doing good deeds.
Most importantly, forgive, sacrifice and pray.
Read scripture with your family to expand your minds, and create mutual conversation, which may normally be difficult. Go to Liturgy, and pray together whenever possible.
If you are not religious, read some poems, go to the museum, volunteer, meditate.
Fasting during the week, and feeling hunger, may not only help you find your strength and will power, it will also help you get healthier. Add in some exercise instead of watching your favorite show, or sitting in front of screen, and double the health effects.
God gave us a free will; the choice to give into temptation and to focus on human desire, pride and wealth. Fight these temptations for the next 40 days of Lent, to build your spiritual strength. You will become a better person.
Pope Frances asks us to be “personally committed to and involved in ‘the building of a better world.” The first step to do this is to start with yourself.