We are nearing the great season of Lent, a time to journey with Jesus through His last days. Lent invites us to reflect on our failings, our shortcomings, our contributions to Jesus' death on the cross. This is not popular today as we prefer to look to our comfort and toys, our misery the result of not having what we are owed, the latest iphone and plasma TV. I don't believe most people are actually so shallow, yet our culture encourages getting over giving and doing over being, so it is hard to see that self-reflection in others.
As Catholics we are taught from the time we can walk and talk to give up something for Lent. This is a good practice, learn some self-discipline, learn in one little area for a brief time not to put my every whim first. As children we have limited understanding and are often given the watered down version of life. Unfortunately many things are never brought to the adult level. "Well of course the teens know how to fast; they've been giving up something for Lent since pre-school." Yes, but do we teach a deeper meaning with each year? Do their parents experience the deeper meaning? Somehow I missed it. I learned my child's God, but due to circumstances developed an adult understanding of God on my own. And I need more than just giving up ice cream or Little Debbies for Lent.
So what is Christian fasting? Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (1959) defines fast as "1. To abstain from food. 2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or as a token of grief. 3. To eat sparingly or abstain from certain foods." This is consistent with Church regulation for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fasts. But what makes it Christian? As Christians we fast to separate from some good of this world and make more room for God in our lives. We fast to grow spiritually. An important aspect of Catholic fasting begins with the refrain of Genesis 1: "God saw that it was good." We believe that the world is good, creation is good, humanity is good. Creation reveals the glory of God. We voluntarily put aside, forego, a great good in our lives, something we enjoy, both to share just a smidgen in the agony Jesus suffered for us, but also to reflect on God's presence in our lives.
I struggle with my weight. I simply like food. (And I'm tall enough to hide a lot of extra pounds!) I also believe we all need treats once in awhile. When we have something every day, however, it is no longer a treat. We forget what a blessing it is; we lose the joy of the experience. Whatever we give up for Lent should help us reflect on the blessing that item or activity provides in our life and from there to the bounty of blessings God showers on us every day. With modern technology we simply expect instant communication. We can live across the country, across the world from friends and family and still communicate with them daily. Can you imagine leaving for the New World 150 years ago and never seeing your parents, your cousins, your siblings again? You could send and receive letters but they certainly didn't arrive in three days. Even if you don't want to talk to your family think what a blessing it is to have that option so easily available.
What are the blessings in your life? I would struggle to give up hot water on tap. I could live with an outhouse and hauling water from a nearby well, but to have to heat every ounce of water for my bath? Hot water on demand is an everyday luxury I forget to appreciate. What a blessing to live where I not only have good, clean water, but it is literally available at my fingertips, hot and cold. WOW! How can I be more conscious of this blessing during Lent? Give up relaxation baths? Six weeks of only showers would help me appreciate the luxury of a bath again. Heat and haul the water instead of turning on the faucet? Pray in thanksgiving before each bath and contribute money to building wells in other places without this blessing? Which practice will lead me to a closer relationship with God and my brothers and sisters across the world?
What are the blessings in your life? How can you be more aware of them this Lent and through them grow in your relationship with God?
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