While self-denial (fasting) is practiced during Lent the focus is not on what we give up, but on Christ and obedience to God. Self-denial on its simplest terms is about decreasing so the work of God can increase within us. Lent is not meant to be a ritual, or a legalistic practice. We aren't supposed to make "work" out of Lent. We are supposed to pursue God in Christ through the study of Scripture, prayer, fasting, listening, service and worship. The point of Lent is not to just to "get through it" and make it to Easter. The point is in the journey.
During the Lenten journey God speaks to us about our heart, attitude, service, and our relationship with Him. It is an intimate journey. It's not a public display of faith for accolades like the Pharisee Jesus spoke about in His example of two men praying in the temple. In fact, we should be more like the tax collector in that story: humble, broken, contrite, and repentant.
It is only through the self-realization of how far away we are from God during Lent that enables us to arrive at Holy Week with hearts full of gratitude to God for His gift of Christ to the world. The journey should open our eyes to just how BIG God is and how small we are in comparison. May this season make you and me desperate for God! Someone wrote the following reflection for Lent:
Give up
complaining——focus on gratitude.
Give up
pessimism——become an optimist.
Give up harsh
judgments——think kindly thoughts.
Give up
worry——trust Divine Providence.
Give up
discouragement——be full of hope.
Give up
bitterness——turn to forgiveness.
Give up
hatred——return good for evil.
Give up
negativism——be positive.
Give up anger——be
more patient.
Give up
pettiness——become mature.
Give up
gloom——enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up
jealousy——pray for trust.
Give up
gossiping——control your tongue.
Give up sin——turn
to virtue.
Give up giving
up——hang in there!
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