Lenten Sacrifice
It has always seemed particularly odd to me that folks declare that they are giving up chocolate, or some other such vice, for Lent, as though that equates with Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Yet, as flawed humans, what are we to do? The sacrifice that we take on at this time of the year is our way of consciously doing without while concentrating on Christ’s works.
If I declare here that I am forgoing carbonated beverages for 40 days, what does that really represent? It is a personal sacrifice on my part. But is it anything beyond for my own personal gain? Does this emulate Christ? How does giving up soda benefit others?
Lenten sacrifices appear to be like New Year’s resolutions the way people use them today. Abstaining from chocolate, caffeine, or fast food is uniquely selfish, which of course, is not Christ-like at all.
Last year Dr. Chris Anthony of Butterworth, Malaysia wrote for Catholic.org:
The real meaning of Lent is sacrifice, not for our well-being but that of others. Fasting, abstinence and prayer are just a means to achieve that goal.
We are asked to become holy and like Mother Teresa, our holiness in God, must be for the benefit of others.
What can I abstain from that will be for the benefit of others? What can you abstain from for the benefit of others?
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Podcacher - 2008
- Dashing to Ash Wednesday Mass - 2008
- Curfews - 2008
- Eduwonk Calls for More Federal Education Spending - 2007
- Frivolous Lawsuits - 2007
- Revenue Sharing is Working According to Rosenthal - 2005
- On Being Average - 1989
By Grammy on Feb 6, 2008
You could give the money saved to charity to benefit others.
Mom
By flowers22 on Feb 6, 2008
The tradition of giving up something for Lent is just that - a tradition. It’s not doctrine, it’s not written in the Bible. If it’s meaningful to you, do it. If not, don’t.
We use the sacrifice as a reminder of the sacrifice made on our behalf.
From “A Kid’s Guide to Lent”…”During Lent, many Christians try to stop filling up with junk food and TV and all these other things to make room for God again. If we do this too, we can feel near to God again. If we clear away some of our comforts for a time, there will be more room for God.”
Also…”Fill up with something good: spend some time learning about the days before Jesus died.”
From another reference, “To fast, just omit an item or two from your diet—something that you would normally eat during the course of the day. Every time you get an appetite for those items, you will be reminded of your fast and that will remind you of the reason for your fast, and you can pray instead of eating. This can have immense spiritual benefit.”
If a personal sacrifice doesn’t bring you meaning in your spiritual life then skip this ritual. The same can be said for meat-free days. It’s a tradition. If it’s not meaningful, skip it. People choose what and how they believe all the time.
I like the idea of giving the money you saved to the needy. Didn’t we do that with mite boxes when we were little? You could give your time to the needy if you sacrificed t.v or hobbies. But again, if it’s not going to be meaningful to you, don’t do it.
By Bob on Feb 6, 2008
Agreed, but giving up chocolate is pretty damn hollow compared to what Christ did for us. Yes, we are merely human, but it seems like a sacrifice for others is certainly more Christ-like.
I do like the idea of donating the money saved from carbonated beverages not consumed. I will have to determine how to determine that in instances when dining out . . . I would have had a soda/beer but opt for lemonade. Money wasn’t really saved in that instance (and no, I am not going to order water . . . I do like flavor).
By John on Feb 7, 2008
I have given up smoking as my sacrifice for Lent. I have done it for me and for my family, but also to show that I don’t have to be a slave to my tempations.
By flowers22 on Feb 17, 2008
I thought of you this morning when the pastor spoke about the tradition of sacrifice. She suggested that maybe when we wonder why fasting would be important we could couple that with feasting…a bridge we would all like to make. She quoted from Fasting and Feasting by William Arthur Ward…
“Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from illness; feast on the healing power of God.”
I really like the concept of fasting in order to feast on greater things. Maybe connecting the fast with a feast would make fasting more meaningful.
By Bob on Feb 18, 2008
Yeah yeah . . . I haven’t had any carbonated beverages in nearly two weeks. I’m still cranky.