The different traditions in Christianity have varying Lenten Practices. Orthodox Christians do not eat meat, poultry, dairy, or eggs during Lent. Roman Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent and often give up some particular pleasures. The Lutheran Church I belonged to as a youth always had mid-week Lenten services often with an educational component. They all had self-denial banks or coin folders in which a person put money for each day in Lent.

In reading the Rule of St. Benedict, I learned of the monastic practices of reading a book during Lent. Benedict orders that each monk receive a book from the library that they should read through during Lent. This doesn’t sound like a big deal to us moderns where an abundance of books is around, but it was a very big deal in the sixth century when books were rare and very valuable. It also meant that every monk had to learn to read–quite an accomplishment at a time when less than one in five persons were literate.

Reading exposes people to new ideas. It takes them to places they have never been. It makes them think. Those things are important. I was appalled years ago to encounter a pastor who bragged about not having read a book since he left seminary. Auugh!!!

Although we’re half-way through Lent, it’s still a good idea to find something to provide yourself with brain food. Take a look at Joy’s Library in the garden room or maybe the Freedom Library. May God bless your reading.

Read 2 Kings22:8  and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne