Lent began on Wednesday ( Ash Wednesday) and continues up to the day/evening before Good Friday. The Lenten season is a period of time that helps to prepare us to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. During this period of time, tradition summons us to a place of self examination, reflection and sacrifice. We ponder the frailty of our humanity. We remember that we have been formed from the dust of the earth, and we are called to repentance. Today I want to let you know that turning away from sin is half of the repentance equation. The other half is to trust and believe that God’s love and forgiveness, shines down upon us like rays from the sun. This morning we are invited to experience God’s love that is poured forth lavishly upon us like a fountain spilling forth its waters into an unending stream.
Some of us will give up meat, Some of us will go in deep and give up something that we really like french fries, ice cream, potato chips,or Lucky Charms. But there is more to it than that. We don’t want to perceive the Lenten period as simply observing a rule and checking off the box. That’s a rather reductionist view of what Lent is all about.We want the Lenten season to be a transformational experience instead of a transactional event.
How about this: fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude
fast from anger and be filled with patience
fast from Pessimism and be filled with hope
fast from worries and have trust in God
fast from complaints contemplate simplicity
fast from pressures and be prayerful
fast from bitterness fill your hearts with joy
fast from selfishness and be compassionate
fast from grudges and be reconciled
fast from words be silent and listen.