Easter is almost here and I love it. I love color coordinating my family’s outfits and eating Easter candy. I think some of the candy during Easter is better than at Christmas. I cannot resist mini Cadbury Eggs. During this time of year I am generally making these preparations for Easter. These are not bad things, but they are also not important things. As evangelical Christians we celebrate the resurrection rather quickly. While I’m not saying that this a bad thing, many other denominations and religions take the next 40 days more seriously. For many, preparation for Easter is serious business. While I know that the customs, traditions, and generally legalistic means are of no use in earning God’s favor, a person who is focused on the life and crucifixion of Christ is doing a good thing.
The life Jesus lived and the death He suffered make the resurrection all the more glorious. He chose to live here, work here, and die on Earth because of his love for mankind. I know the stories, I know that it’s important, but the depth of God’s choice to love us this way deserves my meditation and focus.
Lent is a long standing tradition within Christianity. For some this is a time where they try to earn forgiveness of sins. These acts are necessary in their minds in order to earn God’s favor. This is not a Biblical idea. We do not need these acts in order to earn favor with God. However there is benefit in taking 40 days to focus on the Cross and what the death and resurrection of Christ really mean. Matthew 4:2 tells us that “when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” In some religions the act of fasting and feasting, almsgiving, and prayer are things that are works of righteousness. The works aren’t necessary, but a spirit given to meditating on the life of Christ is a good thing. In keeping with that principal, I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to focus on the passion of Christ until Easter.
One idea is to read through the Gospels during the 40 days. There is a schedule here. This is an idea I embrace and plan to do. I don’t know of any better way to focus on the Gospel than to actual read it. I hope others will consider this idea in their own lives.
Another traditional part of Lent is Almsgiving. In our current economy this might be a hard one for a lot of people. Joyful giving is something that flows from the heart. It is possible to give alms that are not simply money. Making dinner for someone less fortunate would be a way to help that would cost very little money. What about watching a child for a friend who cannot afford a sitter? You can volunteer at a soup kitchen, a gift of alms that costs nothing but time. Helping the poor should not be a once a year thing. I think this part of lent should be an integral part of our everyday life. It is part of loving others. Maybe this time of reflection would be a good time to put what we know we should be doing into practice.
Fasting is something I have done in the past, and will do again in the future. There are several passages in the Bible that deal with fasting and prayer. When the disciples as Christ why John the Baptist’s disciples were fasting they weren’t He answered them “Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” Fasting is a time where your heart is so full of prayer that you do not eat. It is a special time of fellowship with the Lord. I do not think it is absolutely necessary for a good prayer life. It is a spiritual discipline encouraged in Scripture and I believe there is great value in it. Regardless of your choice to fast or not, praying for your spiritual life is something that should be done. Too often we ask amiss because we give God a list of what we want. Prayer based on things we know the Lord wants for us will be answered. Those things would include, love for God and neighbor, the fruit of the Spirit, souls to be saved, grace and peace. The list goes on and on. Pray diligently for these things to prepare your heart for Easter.
While I understand some of the negative reaction many have toward the observation of Lent, I see merit in the focus on Christ. Surely works done simply because it’s “Lent” are worthless in the eyes of God if it is not an outflow of the heart. But just because these acts can be done with the wrong motivation by some is not a reason for the rest of us to turn our backs on the practice of purposeful study on Christ. Lots of people go to church every Sunday because its the “right” thing to do. I’m wondering if observing Lent is similar.
I hope that this Easter season I grow in my understanding and love for God. I plan to make Easter more than a one day focus.
