“Today is the beginning of the lenten fast…In Ash Wednesday’s gospel, from the sixth chapter of St. Matthew, Jesus offers advice about the discipline. Notice Jesus does not say, “if you fast.” Jesus says, “when you fast.” Many Christians struggle with Jesus’ commandment to pray, fast, and give alms. People want to know how…Lenten fasting usually means eating and drinking less than usual…Lenten fasting also means less entertainment, less music, less nonsense…Ash Wednesday is a kind of slap in the face to bring us to our senses… We try to do things consciously, deliberately…We forget ourselves…In the language of the church, this is called “mortification,” which means, “death to self.” We live for others. Eventually, living simply and justly and kindly becomes our way of life.”
Mary Ellen Hynes, Companion to the Calendar (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1993) 13-14.
Many Christians today don’t observe Lent. It is so sad. Some say that rituals were forced on them in their youth so they want nothing to do with them as an adult. Others recall hypocrites that participated in lenten traditions, and consequently, they want nothing to do with the season. While Lent might be optional, the activities aren’t! Open the word. Read Matthew 6:1-18 for yourself. Jesus is not vague. Giving to the poor, praying and fasting are not optional activities.
Notice the key for Jesus is to have the right heart attitude. Ironic isn’t it that people who do these activities for show not only miss the point before God; they turn others off! So here’s my plea. Don’t participate in Lent unless you are ready for a season of sacrifice, mortification, and transformation. Those who embark on the journey will find that Lent is a gift. We get to dedicate time to growing in three vital aspects of the faith: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Are you in?