The Season of Lent provides an intentional time of enriching our lives spiritually. Although fasting is to be a regular spiritual discipline of every Christ follower, Lenten season is an occasion of 40 days of focused abstinence. Seasons of fasting fatten our spiritual lives in at least two ways; first when we deny ourselves things that we are regularly accustomed to (food, media, treats, sex) we create open spaces for God to fill. For example, when I feel the pangs of hunger I look to the “bread of Life” to fill my empty place.  When I want to decompress from a hectic day; instead of turning on the TV I light some incense, play soft music and read inspirational spiritual works. I create empty places in my life for the sole purpose of God filling them.

Secondly, participating in Lent prepares us for Easter. It’s the isolation in darkness that fills us with gratitude for the fullness of dawn. The valley prepares us for the breath taking vistas of the mountain top. Meditation on Christ’s suffering fills us with praise for his resurrection. The denial of self puts us in touch with our weakness and gives us empathy for those who feel hopeless in this world. The despair of hopelessness always precedes the life giving hope of His resurrection. So why not be intentional in getting in touch with the suffering that comes before Easter? I would imagine that if we are deliberate in this respect, a new appreciation of Easter will birth in our hearts.

Scriptural Meditation: Psalm 63:1-8

 

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