The period of time leading up to Easter has traditionally, throughout much of Christian history, been called Lent or the Lenten season. It begins with Ash Wednesday, which is 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays) and it was meant to be a reminder, and a re-enactment of sorts, of Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. It was meant to be a means of those who observed Lent to "purify" themselves so as to better be prepared to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. It was also used early on as a time of confession and penitence leading up to one's baptism, which generally took place on Easter Sunday.

Many observers throughout history have examined their lives to see what area of their life doesn't line up with God's will for them, and would then choose to "give up" that thing which was making their obedience to God impure. Now in practice, many of these things that are given up are somewhat superficial, and in fact are made more so by the practice of indulging or "bingeing" just prior to Lent on Fat Tuesday. Before giving up fat, or some other luxury, persons have one last "fling" by indulging themselves before purifying themselves.

Perhaps it is this aspect that kept Protestant churches for many years from observing this primarily Catholic practice, but as with many things we condemn, I believe we missed out on the potential benefits by ignoring the whole for a flaw in part. I've seen many churches beginning to observe Lent, but perhaps without the emphasis so much on the fasting. Partly, especially in our Mennonite understanding of faithfulness, we see "dying to ourselves" as a daily act as disciples of Jesus, so we may think it odd to just focus on that once a year. We want our faithfulness to go deeper than what feels as shallow as something akin to New Year's resolutions.

Be all of that as it may, I want to invite us to consider at least asking ourselves some questions as we enter this Lenten season. Perhaps just taking the time to reflect on our lives will be the impetus we need to turn towards, or grow deeper in our relationship and commitment of our lives to God. Following are some questions, as we consider what to give up that may "prime the pump", and I'm sure you can think of others for yourself.

Is there any daily ritual or habit that may be keeping me from paying attention to God's voice in my life?...  Are there desires I have that I continue to feed, though they actually lead me further from God than closer?...   Are there ways in which my life is too full and frantic, and what choices could I make to simplify it?...   Are there relationships in which I may need to "give up" something in order to make them life-giving for both of us in the relationship?...   Is there an area of my life that I have not yet "given up" my control and let God move in?...

These and many other questions that may be more relevant for you are the starting point for our journeys of purification, of fasting, that we are invited into by the God who loves us and longs for us to experience fullness of life.  May we find as we reflect, what it is that we can give up in order to experience a fullness of joy and life that awaits us on the other side of a possible wilderness journey.

Pastor Carl