Fasting Day 5 of 40 | First Monday of Lent
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:2
What do you observe so far in Lent? The question relates to inclinations you may notice that you may need to renounce as Meister Eckhart notes.
“Christ fasted for forty days. Follow him this way, by observing whatever you are most inclined to or ready for: concentrate on that and observe yourself closely. Often it is more necessary for you freely to renounce that, than if you were to give up all food.”
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328) in “How a Man Should Rest in Peace When Not Oppressed by Outward Distress Such as Christ and the Saints Often Endured; and How He Should Follow God” in The Complete Works of Meister Eckhart translated and edited by Maurice O’C Walshe (New York: Crossroad, 2009) 506.
Is there an inclination or sin that easily besets you that God wants to bring to your attention? If so, He wants you to surrender it to Him. Lent is about removing the things that clutter your connection to God.
Lean into your inclinations. These appear as your default settings. Perhaps you have a proclivity to reacting instead of responding? Maybe you feel a need to please those around you, rather than living only to please God? Or maybe you complain when you should be content?
Herein lies the task of Lent for us. Through fasting, prayer, and giving, we relearn how to live. We do this by renouncing deep-seated patterns.
Holy Spirit, help me see what I need to renounce this Lent. Amen.
By observing, we see how these habits control and define us. Renounce whatever the Spirit brings to your mind for your good and His glory
I also observe that today is my father’s birthday.
He’s 87. I thank God for how I have seen him walk humbly with an openness to relearn how to live from Jesus. Happy Birthday Dad. I love you. If the Lord wills, I will see you in May.