Observation on observig Lent

[DiZent]

Some of my co-workers (Catholic & non-Catholic Christians) were discussing Lent. Topics such as fasting, abstinence, giving up something for Lent came up. Two women who are non-Catholic Christians said: “we don’t celebrate Lent.” I was really surprised at this, but I responded that we observe Lent, but it is not a celebration. I often find that sharing my faith with non-Catholic Christians ends up highlighting the differences rather than what we share.

I never thought of Lent in terms of “giving up something”, but I have tried to keep to the practices of fast & abstinence. Although there were times I simply "forgot, abstaining from meat is fairly easy as long as I am mindful of it. Fasting is more difficult. One of those same co-workers thinks the Catholic fast is wimpy. Having one main meal & two smaller meals does not seem like a fast at all to her. A 12-hour fast to her does allow for drinking liquids, including water, milk, juice, tea and/or coffee. To me, this is the same as a “smaller meal”. (I also discussed fasting with Jewish friends & Muslims- their practice is much stricter)

Last year, I did “give up” something in addition to the “wimpy” Catholic fast & abstinence. I gave up carbonated drinks/sodas. I had been taking a can of diet cola to work every day in my lunch for years. I switched to iced tea. After Lent, I realized that I did not miss the soda at all & continued to bring iced tea in my lunch.

This year, I could not think of anything in particular to “give up”, so I thought about adding or cultivating a good habit. Of late, I have neglected two things: diet/exercise & housework. I chose to work on diet/exercise. I can look at a healthy diet as a limited fast (eliminating high carb.high fat snacks, etc), but I would like to find a way to connect exercise to prayer, and connect both to almsgiving.

 

[jreilly]

“…but I would like to find a way to connect exercise to prayer, and connect both to almsgiving.”

We had a wonderful opportunity last week in our community. It was a walk to raise awareness to homelessness and hunger (and funds) for our local rescue mission. Perfect opportunity to combine all of the items that you’re looking to do. Perhaps, there are other such happenings near you.

 

[DiZent]

Thanks for the idea. One of our parishioners, a fellow catechist, is running a marathon for lymphoma & seeking sponsors. I could tie my successes - days I meet my diet & exercise goals - to contributing to her fundraiser. I can also put the Christian music channel on when I exercise.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

This year, I could not think of anything in particular to “give up”, so I thought about adding or cultivating a good habit. Of late, I have neglected two things: diet/exercise & housework. I chose to work on diet/exercise. I can look at a healthy diet as a limited fast (eliminating high carb.high fat snacks, etc), but I would like to find a way to connect exercise to prayer, and connect both to almsgiving.

Some great advice I heard a few years ago, from someone who was trying to do just this.

Every time you are “tempted” to purchase an “out of bounds” snack, put the money you would spend in a jar, as well as all the money you would normally spend on “junk food” during your regular shopping. You will be amazed at how it adds up!! At the end of Lent, donate that money to your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

As far as exercise and prayer, take a walk (outside or on a treadmill) and say a rosary or your favorite chaplet, or just talk to God as you would your best friend. Or just talk a walk out in nature and become aware of the beauty of God’s creation, and thank Him for it.

Prayer does not have to be me on my knees, in silent contemplation or reciting of rote prayers. It can be something as simply being aware that God’s hand is in everything that I do, everyday. All I have to do is choose to see it.

As I have learned from my beloved St. Ignatius- Ad majorem Dei glorium

 

[svid2]

A friend of mine has chosen to donate time to good causes, or to spend more time with his children/elderly parents as a way of ‘giving up’ something. Or maybe it’s a form of almsgiving.