Holy Week is Coming

It is the season of Lent!  For me it is a time when Christians try to take stock of their lives and assess how they’ve been doing and get in touch with the idea that Christ died on the cross for our own flaws.  That a Crown of Thornsperfect being, perfect even beyond human understanding gave for us.  That is the us that are not worthy but God gives to us anyway.

The season begins on Ash Wednesday which I overlooked this year.  I wish I hadn’t and had attended a Catholic service here in the Philippines.  During this service the priest or minister will use ashen charcoal to “paint’ a cross on the worshipers’  forehead.   It is a solemn ceremony.

I’m no religion expert, I’ve done some serious bible study classes.  One called Disciple that is held within the Methodist Church through the US and perhaps the world.  I feel qualified to know what  I think is right and that’s really all.   I feel qualified to share with others what I think is part of God’s plan but that’s just  it. Its what I think, its what I believe.  What I believe from time to time changes because I’m often wrong, especially on the details.  So use what I have to say as you wish too.

I was introduced to the idea of Lent and fasting as an adult.  I grew up in baptist churches and I don’t think they practiced this the way the Methodist or Catholics do.  So if I misunderstand the meaning, please enlighten me.  Keep in mind, it may take on different meaning in different cultures.  I’d love to hear from Filipino and others on their ideas about lent.

In the States, people will often give up something other than food.  I know some that give up chocolate for the entire period of lent which is about six weeks.Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.

The church I am a member of sends E–news out from time to time.  This afternoon I found this in my inbox.  It was part of the E-news.  Part of the Lent season includes fasting.  The most common thing for people to fast from is food.  I think the purpose is to cause the Christian to rely more on God.

  • Fast from fear of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
  • Fast from words that pollute; feast on speech that purifies.
  • Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
  • Fast from anger; feast on patience.
  • Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
  • Fast from negatives; feast on alternatives.
  • Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
  • Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion.
  • Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
  • Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
  • Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains.
  • Fast from worry; feast on faith.

Fasting on these kinds of things also rely on  God. At least for most of us.  I have a hard time with each and everyone of them.  I probably feel some sort of these things every day.  The only way I think one could avoid them is actually staying in constant contact with God.

Even if you are  non-believer fasting from these things would be beneficial for your life and the lives of those close to you and the stranger you meet on the streets.  No telling what health improvements one would gain if we were able to rid ourselves of worry, suspicion and bitterness from pains of our past.

If one could achieve that, they would find peace on earth, heaven on earth.  It could only be fully effective if we all could do it and I think someday we will all do it.  Someday we will all live as one.

You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one

John Lennon

Tagged with: Faith • God

Filed under: Lent

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