We hear these words shared at the Ash Wednesday service:
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contend against evil and resist whatever leads us away from the love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the
discipline of Lent – self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love – strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Over my many years of going to church on the Wednesday nights of Lent I have struggled with the concept of fasting. I’ve tried to give up desserts, pizza, chocolate, diet coke, and I
could go on and on. Then I recall my grammar school report card with the comment stating “Susie lacks self-control” ringing in my ears. I have never accomplished my goal of fasting from something and making it to Easter.
I am so grateful that I believe in a God of grace who made me, and sent me the Son who became human, and understands my and my weaknesses. This God of love has filled me with the Holy Spirit, so I can forgive myself and accept who I am. St Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and my heart is restless until it rests in you!”
Thank you, Lord, for helping me change my view from fasting to feasting on You! Read on about “Keeping a Holy Lent” by William Arthur Ward:
Fast From…Feast On
Fast from judging others…Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from apparent darkness…Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness…Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from anger…Feast on patience.
Fast from worry…Feast on divine order.
Fast from negatives…Feast on affirmatives.
Fast on bitterness…Feast on forgiveness.
Fast on discouragements…Feast on Hope!
Fast on self-concern…Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from idle gossip…Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm…Feast on prayer that strengthens.
Fast from shadows of sorrow…Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
By God’s Grace,
Sue Kerzisnik