Lent. It’s an important part of the Christian tradition. Prayer, fasting, and giving to others. Many people tell me that they appreciate Lent and look forward to it as a time of spiritual renewal. But I have some troubles with Lent. I’m sharing that with you in this Casual Conversation.
The following is a text version of this posting.
Many people tell me that the season of Lent is an important time of the year for them. Lent is the 40 period of preparation for Easter. It’s six weeks set aside for prayer and spiritual practice. For those who find the traditional practices like Ash Wednesday services and Stations of the Cross to be helpful, that’s great. I’m just not one of those people.
One major theme of religious services and devotions during Lent is the suffering and death of Jesus. Remembering the crucifixion of Jesus is important for his followers. Doing so helps us to be aware that there is suffering in everyone’s life. While I value reflecting on the passion and death of Jesus, and find Good Friday to be an excellent time to do so, I often feel that so much emphasis has been put on Jesus’ death, his pain, his blood, and his sacrifice that his followers miss the suffering of people around them. The suffering of Jesus happened two thousand years ago, while many people are in great pain and suffer significantly today.
Another major theme of Lent is focusing on our individual sinfulness. Indeed, we all do things to harm ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our planet. But I think that a six-week focus on what miserable people we are doesn’t lead to improvement. Instead, it’s very ego-centric and can be neurotic. Instead, what are we going to do about the ways we fall short of being the best people we can be?
I find that the traditional Lenten observances aren’t very helpful to me. What is helpful is to consider how I can better embody the teachings of Jesus. How is it that I can be more loving in my daily interactions with others? In what ways can I be a peacemaker in a world marked by violence? Are there ways I can follow Jesus and mend the broken-hearted and care for those who suffer today? I find for me that by focusing on how to be a better follower of Jesus, I begin to find new life as I prepare for the mystery of Easter.
Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Agree. You articulated so well.how I feel especially about the suffering today and in the here and now!
Marie: Thanks for taking time to make a comment. I’m glad that the posting resonated with you. Best wishes. Lou
I appreciate your thoughts that Lent should be more focused on looking forward to Easter and new life as for most people I talk to it is about what they are giving up. Often what they give up is not that sacrificial. You drive home a good point also about reflecting on world suffering during this time. On a side note I liked how you subtitle a “Casual Conversation” and you look casual like you are heading to the gym.