Do I have to give up something?
Here we are, another season in the church year, another Lent.
If there is a single question I get asked most frequently about Lent, it is, “Do I have to give up something?” A reasonable question, to be sure. For those folks who weren’t raised in a liturgical church or any church, their view and understanding of Lent is most likely informed by popular culture. Jokes about giving up atheism for Lent. Characters in visual entertainment being miserable during the season of Lent.
Lent is more than simply giving something up for a time. Lent is an opportunity to explore our relationship with our Creator in new or different ways. Sometimes the means to this exploration is giving something up and replacing it with an intentional action that brings us closer to God or informs our relationship in new ways. Sometimes it means adding something to our existing routine that does the same thing. Sometimes it means changing nothing or doing nothing new. Observing Lent is not a requirement; it is an opportunity. If you choose to avail yourself of the opportunity in your own way, that’s good. If you don’t, you are still good.
As always, let me know what you think about the message as you are able and inclined.
Blessings,
