***
Lent is a penitential season.
By now, I’m sure we’ve all thought of something we can abstain from – anything from coffee to Netflix.
But if you’re still unsure, allow me to offer a bit of advice.
Most parents would agree that pacifiers are one of the best inventions ever. When babies are crying and all else fails, that little piece of plastic can calm them instantly. It’s like magic!
While we quickly outgrow them, there are all kinds of other pacifiers that we may cling to – snacking, shopping, working, complaining, television – things that offer us momentary relief, but not lasting nourishment.
***
What’s my pacifier?
***
Whatever it is, that may be the perfect thing to give up this Lent.
Instead of watching an extra thirty minutes of mind numbing television, for example, spend that time reading the bible or in private prayer. Seek lasting nourishment from the Lord.
***
We must also be on our guard, making sure that our fasting doesn’t lead to a poor attitude. I remember trying to give up coffee one Lent but became the quite the grouch!
That wasn’t beneficial to anyone; giving up the coffee was only half the penance. The other half was being charitable towards others while tired.
“When you fast,” Jesus says, “do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden” (Matthew 6:16-18).
Fasting from our pacifiers – whether it’s coffee or Netflix – can be spiritually fruitful, but only if we do it with the right attitude.
Am I beginning Lent with the right attitude?
***
Embrace this period of renewal. The Lord will never be outdone in generosity.
