Lent isn’t a punishment
“When the Egyptians maltreated and oppressed us,
imposing hard labor upon us,
we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers,
and he heard our cry
and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression.
He brought us out of Egypt
with his strong hand and outstretched arm,
with terrifying power, with signs and wonders;
and bringing us into this country,
he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey.”
-Deuteronomy 26:6-9
The first Sunday of Lent left us with a reminder of God’s deliverance, bringing freedom to his people trapped in oppression and slavery. While praying with this passage from the first reading I was moved by the disposition of God, who doesn’t shake his fist in indignation when we turn to him in times of trouble but comes with power to rescue. He not only saves us, but blesses us richly.
How do we allow the heart of God to inform our Lenten practices? Sometimes we can be tempted to use Lent as part of a self-improvement strategy where we consider “What do I hate most about myself that I’d like to change?” “Maybe if I give up eating out I can lose a few pounds.” “What is the hardest thing I can do?” While goals for personal growth, physical health, and a good challenge are fine, I think if we discern a Lenten penance in such a way we can miss out on what is possible for this holy season. I’d like to propose that these penances are about more than just self-discipline or self-denial in order to “do hard things”, but an opportunity to turn our whole heart to the living God who saves. To discern this penance in response to God’s saving love for me offers a new freedom and trust that his power is greater than my own.
What does it look like to consider our Lenten penances with Jesus? Instead of turning inward for a harsh examination of my failings, it means asking Jesus to show me where he wants to enter more deeply. Jesus, what do I turn to when I am weary and feel alone? Where do I seek comfort apart from you? Where do I feel unworthy to receive your love? What gets in the way of my relationship with you, Jesus?
What sort of things stir in your heart as you ponder these questions with Him? Maybe it’s a particular pattern of sin, an addiction to social media or TV, the impulse to turn to an excess of food or drink when afflicted...This season can provide an opportunity to remove the obstacles and hiding places that prevent us from receiving more of God’s saving love.
Jesus, during this Lenten season, come to our rescue. Put to death the deadly attitudes, beliefs, habits, and false places of refuge so that we may receive your freedom and life.