The New Lent

BEING SALT AND LIGHT

THE NEW LENT

I feel a little guilty about the title here, "The New Lent".  Like who am I to say such a thing? On the other hand, having some feeling of guilt certainly fits the tradition of Lent being a time of self reflection, contemplation and confession. A lot of what I read today about Ash Wednesday, which is tomorrow as I write this, and Lent, talks about fasting and giving things up for the 40 days of Lent.  A lot of people I have known during Lent have given up things like chocolate, sweets, certain meats, or even coffee.  I would never want to discourage people from doing those things if they help, but in recent years there has been another sentiment. The little picture below expresses the idea pretty well. "This Lent, keep the chocolate and give up bigotry, judgement, legalism and hatred of all forms."  These things are far more likely to put a smile on the creator's face than giving up desires for tasty treats or other foods.  One of the texts for Ash Wednesday comes from the old testament book of Joel, "Rend (rip open) your hearts, not your garments." The journey to new life is an inside job, not one filled with small outward actions.  The new lent challenges each of us to examine our action, or motives and our guiding principles. The world will be a better place when we learn to love God, our neighbors, our enemies and ourselves.  We are most in line with the guiding principles when we give up being angry, jealous, hateful and vengeful. Jesus always welcomed the stranger, called his followers to care for the widows, orphans and others who could not care for themselves. 

Along the way,

PN