This quote from Pastor Art’s homily Wednesday night got me thinking. Lent is tough! Here we are more than halfway through it and I’m wondering if I have done it right.  

When I was a child, I had a great attitude about Lent. I took time to seriously think about what I would give up as my penance and sacrifice. Would it be candy or cake? I was very organized about it, allowing myself to indulge in the item on Sundays because Sundays weren’t counted in the 40 days of Lent.  

I had a child’s version of what Lent was meant to be.  As I matured, my understanding changed, and I began to see more clearly what my goals are. Now Lent means a time of reflection, repentance and change. There are no Non-Lent Sundays for the mature Christian.  

Decisions made during this time of reflection are not just for the 40 days of Lent. They may not always be 100% successful, but they are meant to be permanent. They are not always easy. 

Pastor used verses from Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. (Luke 6:17-26) Like the Sermon on the Mount, these passages contain beatitudes but also add the “woes”. Then Luke goes on to admonish his listeners: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. V27-28” 

These are the instructions that make Lent tough; that make being a Christian tough. It takes a lot of prayer and courage to turn the other cheek.  To pray for the mean people in my life; in my world. However, I have learned that it takes a lot of energy to keep hate alive in my heart. Rest in the Lord. 

Follow His direction and trust that He is much wiser than we are.  This doesn’t mean complacency or disinterest in matters of the world or daily life. It does mean practicing kindness and keeping my own life in order; not endlessly winding myself up to keep my discontent alive.  

So, while Lent is tough, it is also rewarding and at the end, we have Easter- a grand Resurrection and Redemption. I won’t get it completely right, but I will enjoy the results.  (And, maybe even some candy and cake!) 

Terri