My daughter inspired me to sacrifice for Lent. She has determined to abstain from chocolate
for the 40 days leading up to Easter. Meanwhile, my wife is forgoing snacks
after supper. Whether motivated by peer
pressure, guilt, or actual spirituality, I thought I should also give up something
during the season.
Because I don’t follow the church calendar very strictly, I needed
to remind myself of the history behind Lent.
The tradition began in the early centuries of the church, as a 40-day
period of fasting, leading up to Easter.
With fasting six days per week, excluding Sundays, the Lenten season
begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at Easter. The sacrifices we make during this season
call us into the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The term Lent derives from the German word
for “long” or “spring,” as the days grow longer this time of year.
I remember making Lenten sacrifices as a teenager. One year I chose to give up afternoon
TV. I gave up detailed knowledge of
sordid affairs on the soap operas for bonus time playing outside or even doing
homework. It really changed my life, and
I never went back.
This year I am giving up listening to the radio in the car. Normally I listen to some music, and lots of talk
radio. It does help me stay informed,
but a little goes a long way. Now, as I drive,
I enjoy peace. I'm praying more, observing
more, and thinking more.
I may be less informed.
But I'm probably more informed about the things that really matter.
When I get in the car, I still catch myself reflexively
reaching for the radio knob. I’m working
against a deeply ingrained habit.
I can't begin to compare my sacrifice with the suffering of Jesus. I'm barely giving anything up. I'm listening more to God, and tuning in to eternity. Looks like I'm the one receiving the gift.
That's how Jesus rolls.
