Stewardship in Lent

The Lenten season prepares us for the celebration of Easter, the most important day in our Christian calendar. It is a time for us to embrace the ancient triad of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a more focused way. For some it is a time of healing, an opportunity to repair their spiritual brokenness. For others it is simply a good time to cultivate their spiritual lives in a more disciplined manner. 

The goal of Lenten practices is simple, to prepare ourselves to enter into the paschal mystery of Holy Week with a more humble spirit and determination to follow Jesus Christ. 

This ancient triad of prayer, fasting and almsgiving offers wonderful spiritual benefits. Being a good steward of these gifts by planning ahead and following through is essential to having a fruitful Lenten experience.  This week let’s consider fasting.

Fasting: Christian stewards understand that all they receive, including the bountiful food and drink that is often taken for granted, ultimately comes from the Lord. By denying ourselves food for a time, we are reminded in physical and emotional ways of the Lord’s generosity. As we fast, thoughtlessness is replaced by gratitude and mindfulness of the needs of others. 

The ancient practice of fasting also conditions us for greater spiritual practices. Incorporate some aspect of fasting from food or drink, or denying yourself some other pleasurable activity, into your Lenten practice, something in addition to the sacrifices we make on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent.