Thursday, March 10

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day...

Matthew 5-7

All my life, I have been somewhat puzzled about Lent. Oh, not that Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, but that to prepare properly we should "give up" something preferably something we like--a lot! I was puzzled because I could not see that "giving up" candy, snacks, dancing, movies or TV either furthered the Christian faith or enabled us to live as Christ taught us. This penitence does not fit my understanding of Christ or of his teachings. I believe Christ calls us throughout the New Testament to positive action rather than penitence, so I have adopted his Sermon on the Mount as a guide of what to "give up" for Lent. His positive teachings remind me of beliefs and practices (habits, perhaps) which get in the way of my living a his disciple-habits I must "give up" for Lent. Believe me, the choices are numerous, and the list is long.

In addition to the real stumbling blocks of hypocrisy, prejudice, pride, anger, covetousness, judging etc., my big challenge has been to give up anxious worry, anxiety, which can be all consuming. Learning to live each day in its own time is Christ's teaching for us. He does not mean we should make no plans for tomorrow, but that our best preparation for the future is to take care of life's duties day by day. (I am also trying to "give up" procrastination which is a lifelong favorite!) To be anxious three times over adversities (before they happen, while they happen and after they happen) leaves us fearful and exhausted. We need that time and energy to strengthen our own faith that God will give us sufficient grace and strength to bear our troubles when they do come We need that time and energy to grow in our capacity not only to trust God, but also to love as Christ's disciples here on earth. How can we possibly do God's work is we are so consumed with fretful worry that we cannot think, much less do his bidding? Lent is a time to "give up" some of our inhibiting beliefs and habits as well as a time to reflect and read Christ's teachings. When we use it like this, then it truly does become a time of preparation, renewal and joy as we look forward to God's greatest gift, Christ's resurrection.

Dear Jesus, in this time of Lent, help us to grow in understanding of your teachings. Help us to look at them in positive ways and to use them for positive actions so that we can truly be your disciples here on earth. Teach us to accept the challenges of each day with strength that you are teaching us still. We pray this in your most holy name. Amen.

Libby Dickinson

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional