​Approaching Lent

22 Feb 2017 • Articles

Approaching Lent

Author: Lucy Mills

What are you giving up for Lent?’ It’s a common question in this information age. We’re encouraged to share and keep on sharing.

Traditionally, Lent involves fasting, reflection, penitence and preparation, linked to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. Yet very few of us fast during Lent, in the proper sense of the word. We try and give up things we like, addictions, minor vices.

Approaching Lent, we might spend some time reflecting on our attitudes and our behaviour. How can we declutter our lives a bit, before we start the Lenten ‘detox’? This is something personal − each of us will know the areas we need to work on, the times and spaces that are full of mediocrity, hurry and worry. Where might we need to do a bit of clearing out, in order to focus during Lent?

Self-discipline is a skill worth practising, but how about deciding to give up something more tricky than chocolate? What about giving up gossip? Or grumbling? Yes, there are things we become too reliant on and yes, we need to be able give them up. But using Lent as an excuse to ‘wean us off’ something doesn’t embrace the meaning of it. Plus, if Lent is to reflect ideas of biblical fasting in any way, we’re not to draw attention to it; it’s to be kept secret between us and God (Matthew 6:16-18). Maybe we do need to tell some people (especially if it affects dietary requirements!) and it can be good to share it with close friends, to hold us accountable. But when someone asks: ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’ as if it were a quiz question, perhaps we need to refrain from shouting, ‘Pick me! I have a great answer!

As we come to Lent, let’s examine ourselves and our motives. What are the real ugly bits inside us? How can we use this time to start shaking them off, to deny ourselves, to turn around and face another direction?

Lord, show me what I need to put behind me and where I need to turn to you again.