Jesus prepared for ministry by retreating into the wilderness for 40 days. Christians through history have followed Jesus by using the 40 days leading up to Easter to refocus on Jesus and prepare themselves for Easter. This is called Lent, and this year it began last Wednesday.
Traditionally, three practices are taken up with renewed vigor during Lent: prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up something they enjoy, and often give the time or money spent doing that thing to charitable purposes or organizations.
The goal is not self denial, but refocusing on Jesus.
In a couple of weeks time we will have a Lenten art installation in the church. Take some time to utilize that as a Christian spiritual resource. Available now is a CD-rom (called “40”) of reflections on Jesus 40 days in the wilderness ($15).
Let’s make the most of our preparation for Easter.
Posted by opawa at March 7, 2006 01:39 PM