Lenten Practices

Lent is marching on!  How are you doing with your various resolutions regarding the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer?

I had a conversation with a friend recently about the value of fasting or giving up certain foods for Lent.  I’m not sure God benefits much if I give up desserts for Lent, although I surely benefit from taking a few pounds off.

But I do think there are ways to make fasting more meaningful.  How about:

• Fasting from eating alone, and instead sharing a meal with a friend.
• Fasting by skipping a meal and donating the cost of that meal to someone in need.

Or, thinking of fasting in terms other than food

• Fasting from the use of plastics (as I heard recommended by a church in England)
• Fasting from criticizing those with whom I disagree.

 

I’m sure you can think of other things.  The question is simply: How do I make fasting more meaningful.  Giving up sugared cereal is great for kids, but surely we can do more than that.

 

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