Pastor's Pen - March 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

It is that time of year again when people are talking about what they are giving up for Lent. From a logical and practical point of view does God really care if we do not eat chocolate for 6 weeks? When millions upon millions of God's children are either starving or at risk of starvation, how does not having any dessert for the season of Lent measure up in any appreciable way as a real sacrifice? If this isn't what Lent is about, what do we do with this season of purple paraments and extra services in the life of the church?

 

Some, even clergy, have suggested that 6 weeks of Lent is just too long and perhaps the season should be shortened. The suggestion is that Lenten themes are too dark and dreary and too difficult for people to carry. Thus shortening the season would give people a taste of the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and giving alms, but not so much as to put them off. Some churches simply do not acknowledge the season at all in either worship or practice. In this case it is my belief that when it comes to Lent "less is not more" as some would currently suggest.

 

It has been said that 6 weeks is the time it takes for new patterns of behavior to become a part of an individual's way of life. Certainly theses changes can be for either good or ill depending upon the change and its impact on a person's life. However, just as people can become inactive in church participation in 6 weeks time, so others can become more intimately involved in the practice and expression of their faith at that is what Lent is about.

 

To consciously take time to be in prayer, in conversation with God, in a disciplined fashion for these weeks is an opportunity to have one's whole life changed. To consciously think about the food we eat will draw us closer to the reality of those who are without and the means by which we can work to bring about change for the sake of all. To consciously think about how we share resources with those who are in need will move us from a casual contribution to a personal commitment to work to end poverty in all of its forms.

 

None of this can be done alone or overnight. However, together in community over a period of time, things will change as God gives us strength and direction. May this Lenten season be a tool to assist you in your change and growth as children of God.