Lent is quickly approaching. Do you know what you will be doing (or not doing) to serve God, grow closer to God, give of yourself for God, and sacrifice in appreciation of God? Notice that in that list, I didn't really mention us. Lent is not only a 40 day period filled with prayer fasting and alms-giving, but also a time of self-denial. Whether you are giving something up or doing something, the intention behind the act should not be of benefiting yourself.
I chose the classic Lenten promise of "giving up sweets" for years. I would save all of the candy that I received throughout the 40 days for Easter. Some years I even kept the promise on Sunday's. (Wow, how good of me) Now, I am not saying that you can't use that promise for Lent to glorify God in some way, but I am saying that I was not. Sure, it was a sacrifice, but I was absolutely hoping to drop a few pounds in the process too. That was for me, not for God. In the time when I was supposed to be focusing on God the most, preparing for God, and putting myself last, I still somehow managed to make it about me. That is a problem. Easter Sunday rolled around and I rejoiced and ate candy. Wow, did I miss the point.
We have a real, serious opportunity to change during lent. We have an opportunity to change in a way that glorifies and pleases God, to change in a way that brings you and others closer to the Lord. Don't miss this opportunity.
Lent is not supposed to end with Easter Sunday. Sure, the Lenten season ends there for the year, but the good things you are doing should not. Why would you want to make a change in your life with the intention of reversing that change in 40 days. When you decide you want to lose weight, do you decide you will go to the gym for 40 days, with the intention of stopping cold after 40 days, and the job will be done? That is exactly what we do. We make these Lenten promises with the exact intention of breaking them after 40 days. Why? Why not continue to grow closer to God? Why not continue to sin less and less? Keep going to daily mass. Keep working at your local soup kitchen on the weekends. Why not? God works for us 24/7, 365. Shouldn't we try to do the same for Him, the one who gives us life, love, and everything we need?
So when you are deciding what to do or what to stop doing for Lent, really put some thought into it. Will it glorify God? Will it help you and God to grow closer? Will it serve God's people? Will you continue to work at this after the Lenten season ends? Use this opportunity wisely. Glorify God. Pray, fast, and give alms. Sacrifice yourself because Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for you and for me. Rejoice because He is risen, while keeping your promises as He keeps His.
