If you didn't know, I converted to Catholicism in 2002. Prior to that, I always appreciated the dedication of 'giving something up for Lent,' but I never really understood it's purpose. So many people think Lent is a "Catholic" thing. I disagree..., and I spent the last several days thinking about my own Lenten sacrifice and how it contributes to my perspective on Lent.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 4:1-11 how Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. During this time, Jesus was tempted three times by Satan. Jesus was challenged to test and detest God. In return he would gain everything this world has to offer: food, power, riches beyond our eyes can see. With each temptation, Jesus called upon his relationship with his father and spoke confidently in faith. After the third temptation, when Jesus denied the request to worship Satan, God's angels came and attended to Jesus.
The lessons between the parallels of Jesus' time in the desert and our journey here on Earth are not lost on me. There are temptations everywhere and in everything we do. The shows we watch, music we listen to, food we eat, and endless time we spend learning about what others are doing through social media, news reports, magazines, etc. Temptation is everywhere.
Father Camilli, a Retired Pastor at our church, once said during his homily, "It's hard to live as a Catholic, but it's great to die as one." I think that's the case with anyone or any religion who believes in God and acknowledges Jesus as their Savior. It is hard to live as a Christian*, but it is great to die as one! I truly believe it is hard to live a Christian life on this Earth. So many think that because we are Christian that we are immune to faults and insecurities, fears and failures. The truth is, we are just as broken as anyone else. We fail. We let others down. We curse or say unkind things about ourselves or others. We are not perfect, but we have faith in God's grace extended to us through Jesus (John 3:16). A dear friend of mine, and Pastor, Jen Eckhart once preached about how God chooses the most broken vases to plant his seeds! We just need to allow and invite God's spirit to nurture that seed! It is the wonderfully broken vases that have the most beautiful stories! It's an earthly example of Romans 8:28 ("and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"). We are broken and we are flawed, but we are loved and love heals all brokenness!
Lent is my favorite time of year. I believe it is the time of year for us to consider the magnitude of God's unconditional love for us. To realize no matter how broken we are that God loves us so much he sent his only son to die for us. Wait...WHAT?!?! Consider this: is there anyone you love so much that you would allow your child, parent, or even your best friend to be tortured and murdered so that would not have to live in jail for eternity. Again I say, Wait! WHAT????
Then, I really get to thinking. What could I possible give up that would be worthy of that? BUT...that's not what what lent is about! Lent is suppose to be a time of reflection and prayer. Time with God reflecting on the gift he offered us through Jesus. Our temptations serve as a reminder. A reminder to call upon God, to pray when we feel weak, and to ask him for help in all we do (even the small things like not eating that delicious bowl of ice cream)! Lent is our time to reflect and to strengthen our relationship with God. It's a time to remember what Jesus did for us. Lent is a time of reflection and prayer; a time of extending and accepting forgiveness for the brokenness within us and within our relationships.
I've done it all for Lent. I gave up Facebook, gave up sweets, said the rosary everyday, and extended daily acts of kindness (which was my favorite). Each year I learned something new about myself and the power temptation has over me. This year, I am headed back to The Daniel Plan written by Pastor Rick Warren where I am encouraged to remember my body is a temple of God. My body is a place where God's Spirit lives within me, a place I must protect and respect. This lent season I will renew my commitment to the five essential areas: Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends/Family. I will follow the example set in Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship." My lent commitment is to clean eating and God honoring food choices.
As you head into your own season of Lent, I encourage you to remember, "We are saved by trusting, and trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have--for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. And in the same way--by faith--the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying" (Romans 8:24-26). Through the 40 days of Lent remember those feelings of temptations are delightful reminders to "...pray about everything..." (Philippians 4:6). Think of them as such and you will find the temptation no longer has power over you because "we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us" (Philippians 4:13).
Be blessed this Lenten season and stay encouraged,
Angie
*For clarification purpose: I do not believe there is a separation between Catholics and Christians. If I'm being completely candid, I struggle when someone tells me I'm not Christian because I am Catholic. How can someone place a label on my relationship with God or Jesus? I believe in God the father, maker of heaven and earth...I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only son of the Father...I also believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds with the Father and the Son. Paraphrase of the Nicene Creed was fully intentional! :)
