Thursday, February 23, 2012
Ash Wednesday
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I attended service last night and recieved the ashes on my forehead. It is a powerful service and humbling to remember our mortality. A reading from Isaiah 58:1-12 included the verse about being like a watered garden. This will happen for us when we feed the hungry, do justice and bring the homeless into your house. Fasting and wearing sackcloth will serve only our own interest, according to Isaiah, which is interesting to hear. Growing up Catholic, Lent was always a big production. We tended to give up something, usually in a food category. In the Episcopal church Lent is less emphasized, which is a relief. Discipline is important to our spiritual life, physical well being, and work life. But discipline comes from with in and should be encouraged, not legislated. I am still pondering a spiritual discipline that would be appropriate for this Lent. It's hard not to think in terms of food about discipline. but I am trying to expand my options.
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That is so true: when I think "self discipline," I tend to go right to diet and exercise. But in the context you mentioned, I thought this was an interesting take on Lent (): http://www.thegodarticle.com/7/post/2012/02/dont-get-caught-in-the-lent-trap.html
ReplyDeleteIt's a good article, but one paragraph in particular really boils it down:
"If discipline is helpful to you in your walk, Lent is perfect for you! But you do have to do it right. Assess what is getting between you and your relationship with God. (Here's a hint: it is much less likely to be your desire for sweets and much more likely to be your desire to keep up with the Joneses; it is much less likely to be the glass of red wine you have at dinner and much more likely to be the attitude you have towards those who are not like you or disagree with you). Give up something that really gets in the way of your relationship with God."