Evangelical pastor tells publication why Lent is an important practice

[ATraveller]

However, in many modern Christian circles, practicing Lent—through fasting or giving up certain items or activities in day-to-day life—has fallen out of favor.

We recently spoke with author and pastor Matt Chandler about Lent, it’s history, why Christians should take part in it and how you can make it a part of your life leading up to Easter—even if it’s new to you.

relevantmagazine.com/article/heres-why-lent-still-matters/
I’m curious what Catholics think of what he said. Anything you might add?
I’m quite happy to see someone like Matt Chandler, who is a popular Evangelical pastor, see the importance of these traditions. Ever since learning more about Lent, I’ve always felt Evangelicals and other Protestants tossing away or diluting such valuable traditions like Lent and the liturgical calendar as a big mistake. They are great aids in spiritual growth and learning more about God.

 

[abucs]

It’s good to see fellow Christians following and living Christian traditions to try and bring ourselves closer to God. I think the pastor described the Christian culture and its importance very well.

Because I think that any spiritual discipline can be taken and emptied of its purpose of connecting us in a very real sense physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally to our God. If you’re doing Lent to where it really is a public display of your own piety, then I think you’re doing Lent incorrectly. I think about Jesus’ encouragement to when you fast—you put oil on, you wash your face because we’re not trying to contort or distort our bodies we’re just trying to orient our souls.

 

[commenter]

I thought it was very interesting. We are human beings. We need special times. (I would argue we need special places, too).

His congregation celebrates Advent too, but they also set aside a certain time in January for a different focus. That is fine. I am sure he understands that we should be holy all days (not just Sundays) but we need a Sabbath day. We live in a world that does not respect special times. For instance, the Christmas promotion starts in October. We constantly hear hear about the evils of “Church on Sunday, business as usual on Monday”; to support the idea that Sunday is just another day, that “season” Christians are hypocrites.

The fact that Christ warned against one kind of abuse - public hypocrisy, for instance during seasonal fasts, or excessive rigorism on the Sabbath - should not blind us to the fact that Christ Himself honored the holy days, and He went into the dessert for a season. Many people today talk as of Christ was focused only on condemning hypocrisy as the supposed dominant evil of His age, ignoring everything else He did. I think acedia is the dominant evil of our own age, and this evangelical pastor’s approach is welcome.

 

[De_Maria]

I’m curious what Catholics think of what he said. Anything you might add?.

Yes. Not only does fasting orient us in a way that we are moved closer to God, but the suffering which it entails, expiates sin. In fact, the two happen simultaneously. That is why Scripture says:

1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (for whoever suffers in the flesh has broken with sin),

And again:

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Hopefully as Christian dialogue intensifies, some of the Evangelical denominations will come closer to some of the spiritual traditions of the Church that are of use and benefit to everyone. Lent is a useful spiritual fast, regardless of one’s denomination.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

I like this part:

For evangelicals the idea is, “Hey, read your Bible, pray a little bit and you’re going to be fully formed.” But I just think that’s a real anemic view of things. Although I certainly wouldn’t want to take anything away from the sufficiency of the Scriptures, I just think that the scriptures teach about the certain seasons and rhythms we should give ourselves over to

.

Everybody should know their bibles. But it doesn’t end there. That bible of their’s…if they read it a little closer, points to the Church and tradition and fasting and other things.

I think people are less likely to discriminate against Catholic practices than in the past. If there is something you can apply to your life that helps your walk with Christ, why not implement it? It’s not like practicing Lent has some sort of magic power that will have you signing up for RCIA next Sunday on your road to being Catholic.

This is why I was Anglican before being Catholic. They seem so reasonable and not acting like they allergic to something just because it’s origins are Catholic.