The Christian churches have never been big on observing Lent, or the church calendar in general, so I grew up with little to contribute in discussions with friends about what we planned to go without during the Lenten season. I was in college before I saw someone actually walking through Ash Wednesday with ashes on their forehead, or made the connection to the bacchanalia of Mardi Gras the night before.
Although I still attend a church that focuses little attention on these holy days (except Easter, and the almighty Christmas—that one seems to be remembered each year), I have started to be aware of them. The cycles of Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Pentecost lend a comforting spiritual rhythm to the year; even more importantly, they have the potential to refocus us on Christ in between the "big" holidays.
Still, I’d never considered actually giving something up for Lent. Remembering the cross, yes. Trying to be more reflective and contemplative in the weeks leading up to Easter, sure, okay.
But actually forgoing a regular treat as if it in any way approached Jesus’ sacrifice for us? Thinking my abstinence from candy or coffee even mattered to him? Truth be told, I always found it a little silly and self-important.
So I’m as astonished as anyone that this year I plan to observe Lent by giving up TV and movies.
A few days ago the notion popped into my head as I watched a Seinfeld rerun with one eye and lamented my unread list of “edifying” books with the other. Irony is fun.
Coincidentally or not, the same day I came across a website of prayers and reflections for each day of Lent (click here) that also piqued my interest. An idea was born: no TV, no DVDs, not even a sitcom on iTunes from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. My one concession would be the Oscars (assuming they air) on February 24th—a reasonable compromise, I think, given that the historical calendar doesn’t include Sundays when calculating the 40+ days of Lent.
(And lest you think this doesn’t count because of the writer’s strike, let me remind you that new episodes of LOST begin next week and will continue throughout February and March. So scoff not.)
This little “sacrifice” isn’t about equaling Jesus’ sacrifice, of course. As for whether my 46 days without TV “matter” to God, a myriad of Bible passages teach us anything can be done (or not done) to God’s glory if the heart is right. Putting a check in the offering plate or reading my 3.2 Bible chapters each day can be meaningless routine or intentional obedience. Likewise, the self-imposed deprivation of Lent can be the legalistic restriction so many “Christians-only” see it as, or it can be a quiet act of worship.
I’m going for the latter with Lent this year. And really looking forward to catching up on LOST after Easter.
posted by Jen @ 10:10 PM
6 Comments:
Setting aside the mundane to expand your spirit toward God — scoffers beware! ;-)
I love your intention and openness, Jen! Thank you!
Robin
Good post.
I too have had little understanding of these Church seasons. I grew up in a Church of Christ, but my dad is Catholic, so we often went out to eat at a fish restaurant on Fridays during lent, but I didn't really know what it all meant.
Now as a parent of three little ones, we have created an advent tree with daily devotions talking about different symbols that point to Christ's birth and His life. So it seems that practicing these seasons (and creating traditions based on these seasons) can be really helpful in teaching our children the importance of these holidays when so much of our culture tries to wash Christ out of them. And of course, we learn so much in the process too.
Funny you should blog about this... This is something that has been on my mind lately as well, becoming increasingly aware of God-oriented sense of time and rhythm.
My friend sent me this link that I think you would appreciate: http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/pdfs/BannerYearBooklet.pdf
It's a series of paintings and reflections on the liturgical year that was featured in the National Cathedral in D.C.
I think a lot of times we react against ritual and tradition in our insistence to be meaningful; however, I think rituals are intended to remind us that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves. We miss out on that idea in our collective consciousness when we dismiss rituals and traditions altogether.
Very well put--YOU should have a blog. Oh, wait, you do, and one I really enjoyed reading this morning. Check it out, people:
http://melissa-renee.blogspot.com/
oops that link was incomplete:
let's try that again:
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/pdfs/BannerYearBooklet.pdf
Hi Jen,
Geoff and I enjoyed reading your post about observing Lent. Our first experience taking on a Lenten fast was pretty mis-guided. We were living in London at the time and attending HTB (part of the Church of England, so we were experiencing the church calendar more than ever before) and we zealously decided to give up sweets, candy, desserts, etc. I think our motives at first were pure, but we became the most pathetic, navel-gazing, sugar-deprived, but strangely self-righteous Lenten fasters. It turned out that we would break our fast on a trip to Paris over Easter weekend. We grabbed our three pounds of chocolate and candy and jumped on the Eurostar to Paris. We arrived in Paris, sugar shocked, slightly queasy and jittery from too many chocolate covered espresso beans, and realized later that we may have missed the point.
Since that time, we have not observed Lent any way other than what you mentioned - contemplative reading, etc.
I still find myself drawn to the idea of observing Lent, doing something that regularly focuses my heart and mind toward Easter. The best reminder I ever heard was that you don't necessarily have to give something up for Lent, you can also take on a discipline. We're going to figure out what that should be...
I like your TV/Movie fast idea...we'll have to bite our tongues about LOST until you can get caught up in April!
Love,
Your Sister-in-Law
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