Lenten plans

Luke 9:18-25

          Yes, Lent seems to have come quite early this year. So before we may have had time to plan, the holiest season of the year is here. What to do? 

          Yesterday I noted that we should give up our guilt. That is true enough. Start with a fresh slate even though I have noted how difficult it may be to let go of that guilt. Can we agree that we may have made mistakes and put the guilt aside so we can figure out the details? It might seem almost like a corporate exercise. Acknowledge the problem and then work on constructive ways to fix it.

          Without the guilt, we really do need to make a frank assessment of our life to prepare and move forward in Lent. To be converted, we must acknowledge we are being converted from something even if it's simply apathy.

           The call then is to be alone, pray alone and examine your heart, your life, your actions and inactions. We repent from not just actions but inactions and attitudes. While some will 'give up' chocolate, or popcorn, or desserts, an examining heart can give up things like sarcasm, hard heartedness or attitudes towards people.

          The key for Lent is examination of conscience and a plan. Work on the examination in solitude, silence and honesty. Then look around for community as the flip side to prepare for Lent. A weekly event at your church. Many churches have Lenten programs. Soup suppers, prayer meetings, perhaps even a book club on a pertinent spiritual topic.  There are groups that travel and perform a passion play. I have always found that deeply moving and a fine addition to a personal Lenten program. It is not too late to make a plan for yourself. As I often state, our life is a journey and it is not simply black and white. Step in gradually but do step in. Make a plan and start to execute it. 

          By Easter, you will have a new heart, a glowing heart and a more loving and appreciative heart.

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?