March 7 Home Communicator – Lent – Giving Up and Taking On
The season of Lent began last week Wednesday, March 1, with Ash Wednesday. It lasts from the end of Epiphany to Holy Week. Lent is a time when Christians reflect on Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness fasting and enduring temptations. It is also a time when we reflect on the ministry of Jesus, the sacrifices He made, the endurance and humility of Christ, and the events that led to His crucifixion. During the Lenten season we intentionally set aside time to think about Christ in a reflective way in order to improve and deepen our relationship with Christ.
I have been reading about Lent, something that has proved to be informative and thought provoking. As you know, during Lent we often hear people talking about “giving something up” for Lent as a way to draw near to God and focus on one’s faith. For others the act of “giving something up” symbolizes and recognizes what Christ gave up for us. However, there are also Christians who instead of giving something up, “take something on” during Lent that helps them focus on their faith. This idea of “taking something on” intrigued me. So, as I was deciding whether to “give up” or “take on”, I realized that while these two practices seem polar opposites, they did not have to be exclusive of each other. Perhaps during this Lenten season I could consider doing both? Maybe by doing both I will find new ways of deepening my relationship with Christ and strengthening my faith walk. So my challenge is this – during this season of Lent let’s focus on deepening our faith by both giving something up and taking something on. Please ask yourself these questions – What might you give up that is separating you from God? What might you take on that will help you grow in your faith and love for God?
Serving the One,
Mary Broene, Middle School Principal
