When I was in college I worked with someone who practiced the discipline of giving something up every Lent. He would warn me in advance that he was going to be grouchy because he would be giving up Mountain Dew or ice-cream. I honestly did not hear much about the practices of Lent when I was younger. I knew it was a practice of the Catholic faith and that it was a period of self-denial. I think Protestants in the past have veered away from that practice because we have always been against the ritualistic things that may make it appear that we can “earn” our way into heaven or into God’s graces. Now as I think about it more, it also could just be Protestants being lazy. We’ve had this convenient excuse (grace) that makes it unnecessary to sacrifice in the same way others do. In the last couple of years I have heard more about “fasting” for the 40 days leading to Easter. I don’t hear the word “Lent” much in my circles, but plenty about the “40 Day Fast”.
I was thinking about it this morning, as the realization that Ash Wednesday was here dawned on me. I had read someone write that we should be willing to “give something up” and sacrifice because of how much Christ sacrificed for us. We should joyfully give something up because of all He did. My mind initially went, “Yeah, but He was God.” Somehow, for a brief moment, I imagined the choice to give up was easy for God. I have more recently been reminded of the humanity of Jesus and the fact that His suffering was real and horrible. He wasn’t looking forward to giving up His life for me. Rather, He asked if the cup could be removed from Him–if at all possible. I wasn’t very joyful considering what I could give up. The thought of doing “without” for forty-days kind of choked my soul. I struggled with the: I should be joyful about this.…because I am joyful because of what He did for me, but it is hard to willingly dive into this period of suffering.
Yes, I don’t have to do it to earn God’s love, forgiveness or acceptance. But I’m choosing to do it out of love for Him. And, it won’t be easy.
sharonbernhardt 