Fasting for Lent?

Ash Wednesday, March 2^nd this year, marks the beginning of the season of Lent. In the Christian year, Lent is the time for additional spiritual practices that prepare Christians for Easter. By practicing regularly scheduled almsgiving, fasting or abstinence (from activities, decadent food or meat) , and prayer, we understand something of what Jesus experienced when he fasted in the wilderness before his returning to ministry. One may choose a schedule like this: daily prayer for others at lunchtime, fasting from meat on Mondays as a weekly practice, and giving by cleaning out closets to donate items to the needy (once in the 40 day season). Others may choose to abstain from social media to become less distracted and more present or give up all sweets to become more disciplined. Lent, while a season of penitence and preparation, has built-in breaks. As Easter people, who know Jesus lives, we stop fasting on Sundays as “Little Easters” and proclaim these days of celebration. Decide this weekend to begin a new Lenten practice on Wednesday. 

In Christ,
Pastor Elyse