Gregory the Great: Unflagging devotion, unwearied reverence, and the measure of our charitableness

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

“The Lenten fast an opportunity for restoring our purity.

In proposing to preach this most holy and important fast to you, dearly beloved, how shall I begin more fitly than by quoting the words of the Apostle, in whom Christ Himself was speaking, and by reminding you of what we have read: “Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold now is the day of salvation.”

For though there are no seasons which are not full of Divine blessings, and though access is ever open to us to God’s mercy through His grace, yet now all men’s minds should be moved with greater zeal to spiritual progress, and animated by larger confidence, when the return of the day, on which we were redeemed, invites us to all the duties of godliness: that we may keep the super-excellent mystery of the Lord’s passion with bodies and hearts purified.

These great mysteries do indeed require from us such unflagging devotion and unwearied reverence that we should remain in God’s sight always the same, as we ought to be found on the Easter feast itself. But because few have this constancy, and, because so long as the stricter observance is relaxed in consideration of the frailty of the flesh, and so long as one’s interests extend over all the various actions of this life, even pious hearts must get some soils from the dust of the world, the Divine Providence has with great beneficence taken care that the discipline of the forty days should heal us and restore the purity of our minds, during which the faults of other times might be redeemed by pious acts and removed by chaste fasting.

Lent must be used for removing all our defilements, and of good works there must be no stint.

As we are therefore, dearly-beloved, about to enter on those mystic days which are dedicated to the benefits of fasting, let us take care to obey the Apostle’s precepts, cleansing “ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit:” that by controlling the struggles that go on between our two natures, the spirit which, if it is under the guidance of God, should be the governor of the body, may uphold the dignity of its rule: so that we may give no offense to any, nor be subject to the chiding of reprovers…

Now let the faithful spirit train himself with the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, that through honor and dishonor, through ill repute and good repute, the conscience may be undisturbed in unwavering uprightness, not puffed up by praise and not wearied out by revelings. The self-restraint of the religious should not be gloomy, but sincere; no murmurs of complaint should be heard from those who are never without the consolation of holy joys. The decrease of worldly means should not be feared in the practice of works of mercy. Christian poverty is always rich, because what it has is more than what it has not.

Nor does the poor man fear to labour in this world, to whom it is given to possess all things in the Lord of all things. Therefore those who do the things which are good must have no manner of fear lest the power of doing should fail them; since in the gospel the widow’s devotion is extolled in the case of her two mites, and voluntary bounty gets its reward for a cup of cold water. or the measure of our charitableness is fixed by the sincerity of our feelings, and he that shows mercy on others will never want for mercy himself.”

Gregory the Great (540-604) in Sermon 42, On Lent 4.1-2. As I stated yesterday, I am starting Lent with the four doctors in the Western Church. We heard from Augustine, then Ambrose, and now Gregory the Great. Jerome will follow tomorrow.

So much in this sermon inspires me on my Lenten journey. Three expressions struck me personally.

The first is a pair of expressions linked to the blessing of this 40 day fast. It creates in us a sense of “unflagging devotion and unwearied reverence” as we shift from living for the flesh and live for the Spirit something happens in us.

The sacrifices of the season actually strengthen us. To be unflagging and unwearied means that we get supernatural strength. To grow in our devotion and reverence means we shift from living for ourselves to living for God.

But that is for a purpose. This brings into view Gregory’s use of the expression “the measure of our charitableness.” The growing compassion and kindness in us propels us to action. We show mercy, we do good works.

So, what will the measure of your charitableness be? That’s for you to decide willingly on your Lenten journey. Just remember that those who choose a big measure will have such a measure extended to them.

Yesterday I asked you to fast a meal. If you did not do it, please do it today. And pray about an opportunity, and as you are able, make a gift to GTP for serving God’s workers in underserved regions.

We got a $40,000 match and still need about $11,000 by 28 February 2023.

Funds will be used to deploy me and other GTP staff and volunteers bring biblical teaching and practical training to help national workers grow local giving in Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Zambia, Jamaica, and other places.

We are not giving a hand out to people in need in these countries, which has been the cultural pattern for decades. Your generosity will give these disciples a hand up and help them fund local ministry without outside support.

Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:28

“The Lord Jesus, wishing to make us more strong against the temptations of the devil, fasted when about to contend with him, that we might know that we can in no other way overcome the enticements of evil…

And what is the intention of the Scripture which teaches us that Peter fasted, and that the revelation concerning the baptism of Gentiles was made to him when fasting and praying, except to show that the Saints themselves advance when they fast.

Finally, Moses received the Law when he was fasting; and so Peter when fasting was taught the grace of the New Testament. Daniel too by virtue of his fast stopped the mouths of the lions and saw the events of future times…

Who then are these new teachers who reject the merit of fasting? Is it not the voice of heathen who say, “Let us eat and drink?”… It is then for them to indulge in meats and drinks who hope for nothing after death.”

Ambrose of Milan in Epistle 63.15-17 to the Christians at Vercelli (A.D. 396). I’m starting Lent with the four doctors in the Western Church. We heard from Augustine yesterday, Ambrose today, and Gregory the Great and Jerome will follow.

Kingdom practices are counterintuitive. Fasting makes us more strong. Ponder that reality. It positions us to do the good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. And I am struck by Moses today. He fasted 40 days and wrote the words of the covenant.

What might God want you to do during and after your 40 day fast during Lent? You won’t know until you set aside your desires and hear His heart. This is why we couple prayer and giving with fasting in order to resist the devil, listen to God, and take action.

I want to invite you to fast a meal today, pray about an opportunity, and as you are able, make a gift to GTP for serving God’s workers in underserved regions. We got a $40,000 match and still need about $12,804 by 28 February 2023.

Funds will be used to deploy me and other GTP staff and volunteers bring biblical teaching and practical training to help national workers grow local giving in Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Zambia, Jamaica, and other places.

We are not giving a hand out to people in need in these countries, which has been the cultural pattern for decades. Your generosity will give these disciples a hand up to form them as stewards who help ministries follow standards to flourish.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

“Fasting is practiced for a threefold purpose. Firstly, in order to bridle the lusts of the flesh… Secondly, we have recourse to fasting in order that the mind may arise more freely to the contemplation of heavenly things… Thirdly, in order to satisfy for sins: wherefore it is written (Joel 2:12): “Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting and in weeping and in mourning.” Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, kindles the true light of chastity.”

Augustine of Hippo in On Fasting 147.1.3.

As we enter Lent, let us fast with this threefold purpose in view: to bridle the desires of our flesh, to shift our focus to heavenly things, and to return to God with our whole heart. Let’s explore each idea for a moment.

The desires of our flesh can easily overtake us if not held in check. Thus, fasting helps us grow in self-control and helps position us to stay in step with the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:16).

The first is connected to the second, as bridling our earthly desires frees up our focus to consider heavenly things. So, when you fast, don’t just forego some food or behavior, use the time and energy to focus on the things of God.

And the third purpose is linked to the first two. Fasting helps us return to God with every part of our heart. It shows us areas where we have drifted from Him and so we approach with humility, weeping, and mourning.

Father in heaven, make this season of fasting be a time of cleansing, for quenching our desires by your Spirit, and kindling the true light of chastity in each of our hearts. Hear our prayer in your mercy, we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

“Teach Me Gratitude

Holy Spirit,
open my heart
to understand how precious I am to you,
how loved I am by you.
Open the eyes of my soul,
to see the gifts you have put before me this day.
Give me the grace to recognize each encounter with you.
Teach me to respond in gratitude, to grow in gratitude.
Teach me to be generous, as you are generous with me,
and to collaborate with you in serving my sister and my brother
for your greater glory.”

Rebecca Ruiz in “Teach me Gratitude”.

My word for the year is gratitude so I prayed about where to start my Lenten journey in which I hope to deepen my roots in Christ, and the Lord ask God to teach me gratitude.

I found it very interesting the connection between gifts, grace, gratitude, and generosity. I like this prayer highlights it. God gives gifts, showers grace, teaches us gratitude, and then comes generosity.

Father, thanks for your many gifts. Give us grace to recognize them by your Spirit and fill me with gratitude for them. Then grow rich generosity in me from a thankful heart I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

And bless my dad today. Jack Hoag is 84. Lavish him with gifts, pour out grace, teach him gratitude, and help this next year be his most generous year yet. Happy Birthday Dad.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

“Lent is a call to renew a commitment grown dull, perhaps, by a life more marked by routine than by reflection. After a lifetime of mundane regularity or unconsidered adherence to the trappings of faith, Lent requires me, as a Christian, to stop for a while, to reflect again on what is going on in me. I am challenged again to decide whether I, myself, do truly believe that Jesus is the Christ and if I believe, whether I will live accordingly… Lent is not a ritual. It is a time given to think seriously about who Jesus is for us, to renew our faith from the inside out.”

Joan Chittister in The Liturgical Year (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009) 111.

Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the start of Lent, a time of reflection. I like how Chittister describes it as a time to “renew a commitment” or to “think seriously about who Jesus is for us.”

Fasting helps create space to do this. This breaks us from our routines and mundane regularities.

If you’ve never observed Lent, please do it this year. It’s a time for focusing on the core disciplines of the Christian life, namely, prayer, fasting, and giving. To download my Lent Companion, click here.

It’s not a ritual. It’s a time to rekindle your relationship with Jesus Christ for walking in radical obedience.

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7b

“Shrove Tuesday serves as a reminder we are about to enter the season of Lent and prepares all Christians for a time of reflection and spiritual renewal. It is traditional to reflect on what type of fasting one may do during Lent.

The Shrove Tuesday Milestone Moment incorporates a simple structure that includes naming, equipping, blessing, gifting, and reinforcing so that the Milestone Moment has a greater chance to take deeper root in lifelong faith formation. Moments that allow opportunities for family and friends to gather in the home are special and an important step along our faith journey.

Naming – It is important to recognize Christian traditions as we begin the season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday marks the end of Epiphany and a time to reflect on what forgiveness means to us as we feast together.

Equipping – Providing an intentional opportunity to engage in caring conversations and prayer on Shrove Tuesday in your own home by serving a pancake dinner with lots of toppings, whipped cream, and syrup for family and friends is an excellent way to introduce others to this Christian tradition. This Milestone Moment provides an outline to use when you gather.

Blessing – Offering a prayer provides a blessing and reminds all involved of the importance of forgiveness as we honor the beginning of Lent.

Gifting – Providing an appropriate gift such as a pancake whisk, apron, or photo of the dinner and those gathered is a reminder of this time together. Milestones Ministry also suggests a gifting stone designed for Lent that can be carried in pockets and purses during Lent.

Reinforcing – One way to follow up after spending this Milestone Moment together is to gather again during Holy Week for a light meal and talk about something that was done during Lent to observe this season.”

David Anderson and Debbie Streicher serve as co-directors of Milestones Ministry. They produced this PDF entitled “Shrove Tuesday Milestone Moment” which is helpful for observing this day in community with others for deepening Christian faith.

Pause with me and consider this outline for making your Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) a day of reflection and preparation. Discuss it with at least one other person. Bless them. Give them a gift, and then plan to reconnect in Holy Week.

When you do this you multiply the impact of Lent. You grow in prayer, fasting, and good works together. Observe Lent this year. Invite at least one person to make the journey with you. Download your free Lent Companion here. See what happens.

The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:7-8

“Forty days as a period of fasting is equally common in Scripture. Moses fasts twice for forty days and nights on Mt. Sinai: once after receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9), and again when he discovers the infidelity of the Israelites in fashioning the Golden Calf (Deuteronomy 9:18). Elijah travels for forty days and nights without food after slaying the prophets of Baal and fleeing the wrath of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:7-8). The Ninevites fast for forty days to stave off the wrath of God (Jonah 3:4).And forty-day fasts show upin many deutero- and non-canonical texts such as 3 Baruch, Apocalypse of Sedrach, and the many versions of the so-called Life of Adam and Eve…

The Council of Nicea issued canons intended to bring general alignment on matters of liturgical practice and church organization. Among these was the establishment of a common date for the Easter feast that, up until that time, had been commemorated on different days in a given year depending on the method of calculation. While we can surmise that Lent’s establishment before Easter was part of a broader movement toward alignment and standardization begun at the Council of Nicea and continued throughout the fourth century.

There is no evidence that the Council also dealt with Lent, one may surmise that its establishment prior to Easter, drawn from among the various and sundry fasting customs already being observed (including, perhaps, an Egyptian post-Theophany fast), was part of a broader movement toward alignment and standardization begun at Nicea and continued throughout the fourth century. And, if a post-Theophany fast was a hallmark of groups deemed heretical, the establishment of a forty-day Lent prior to Easter would stand in contradistinction as a touchstone of liturgical and theological allegiance.”

Nicholas V. Russo in “The Early History of Lent” in “The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University” (2013: 18-26).

I did further scholarly research and appreciated this reminder from Russo that 40 days of fasting is a common pattern in Scripture and other ancient Jewish literature. It seems fitting then, that it would make it’s way into early church patterns leading up to Easter.

Russo’s research also demonstrated that in A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicea, we see the standardization of Christian practices for more consistent and widespread observance. For example, to unify the church, they picked a common date to observe the Easter feast.

So today I give thanks that all over the world, people will focus on fasting, prayer, and good works in the 40 days leading up to Easter, with the seven Sundays along the way serving as feast days to anticipate the celebration of the resurrection. I hope you observe Lent with me.

Just like we learn new things when we explore Scripture afresh daily, this season helps us grow by practicing disciplines. Again, download my free Lent Companion here. And ask yourself: How might God want me to grow related to prayer, fasting, and good works this Lent?

I pray, like Elijah, that the food you eat now, strengthens you for your Lenten journey. And I appreciate your prayers for Trevor Lui, GTP COO, and me. We have a full slate at ECFA today and tomorrow recording a podcast, an audiobook, and many meetings. Thanks.

And it”s fitting to be at ECFA on a day when the them of this post is standardization: that’s the aim of peer accountability groups like ECFA around the world. When churches and ministries follow standards together it reflects a consistent witness to a watching world.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry. Luke 4:1-2

“Early church father, St. Irenaeus (c. 130 – 202), in a letter to Pope St. Victor, mentioned a dispute about the number of days for the pre-Easter fast. Irenaeus noted that such “variation in observance did not originate in our own day, but very much earlier, in the time of our forefathers” (Eusebius, History of the Church, V, 24). Irenaeus himself was a third generation disciple after the Apostles, so his dating of lenten fasting back to the time of his “forefathers” establishes it as a practice from the very earliest days of the church. Irenaeus’ letter references the idea of a fast lasting 40 days before Easter, strongly suggesting the concept predated Irenaeus’ own time. Jesus fasting 40 days and 40 nights in the desert to prepare for his public ministry is thought to be the primary inspiration for such a timeframe.”

Christopher Hunt in “A Short Version of the Long History of Lent” in his blog post dated 1 February 2018.

In the days approaching Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season, I have chosen to explore the history of Lent, a season of focused prayer, fasting, and good works.

And as I make the Lenten journey this year, I do it with a keen focus on gratitude, which I believe is a driving force behind this journey of sacrifice that prepares us for lives of generous service.

In today’s post we see Irenaeus (a third generation disciple) say that it went back to his “forefathers.” That takes it to the time of Christ who, “led by the Spirit” (as today’s Scripture notes) fasted 40 days before His ministry began.

What was the dispute in the variation of observances? We don’t know. My theory is that Lent is actually 40 days plus 7 feast day Sundays, the seventh of which is Easter. So, based on the math, it’s a total of 47 days. That variation may have bothered some folks. Who knows?

The key is not to miss the point of Lent. It’s a short season to focus on prayer, fasting, and good works, so that our lives reflect Christian generosity during “ordinary time” (the early church word for the days between Easter and Christmastide).

As I reflect today, I pray this Lent causes you and me to live like the forefathers of Irenaeus, namely, the early church in the New Testament. Let’s live with the radical obedience and generosity rooted in surrender, humility, and sacrifice.

Today I fly from Denver to Washington DC. Trevor Lui, GTP COO, will join me from Hong Kong. The docket is full on Monday and Tuesday at ECFA with the production of a podcast episode, an audiobook, meetings, and more. Appreciate your prayers for us.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

“Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance, and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it.” Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!”

Day 9 of 9 of The Surrender Novena by Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970).

What a journey! Nine days.

I’ve learned a new centering prayer that fills me with great peace and great rewards: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!” I hope it has been a blessing to you.

It’s taught me that the way of humility is the way of peace, the way of surrender is the way of reward. Twice it took me to the peacefulness of fly fishing. That’s ironic as it was a fly fishing friend who recommended the Novena.

What next? Rest then ready yourself. For what? Ash Wednesday and Lent are fast approaching this week.

If you have not read my free devotional, Lent Companion, download it here from the GTP website. It will guide you through the 40 fasting days and 7 feast days leading up to Easter. It’s a time for growing in fasting, praying, and giving.

For now, simply surrender and know that your most generous days will be ahead of you.

How do I know this? The “great peace and great rewards” you receive through surrender are not just for you to enjoy. You get to share them widely and freely.

O Jesus, we surrender ourselves to you, take care of everything!

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

“Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness, and I promise you by my love that if you say, “You take care of it,” I will take care of it all; I will console you, liberate you and guide you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!”

Day 8 of 9 of The Surrender Novena by Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970).

As a fly fisherman, this one touched me deeply. I can picture casting a dry fly. Watching it drop, and then letting it be carried by the current.

Then Ruotolo inspires me to believe in God’s goodness, His generosity, to care for everything.

At that point, when we do this, like a seasoned angler knows He will see a rise and hook a nice trout, we find consolation and liberation.

We find the guidance we need for today with no fear of tomorrow because there is no tomorrow.

Surrender paves the way for peace and joy, generosity and abundance, freedom and life. It shows us that trusting Jesus to take care of everything is the only way to live.

O Jesus, we surrender ourselves to you, take care of everything!