We often think of Lent as a time to give something up: meat, chocolate, Facebook, unkind words, you name it. The idea is that if we give up something, then it will help us to be more reflective about our spiritual journey. In that sense, giving up chocolate may not help. I want it, I can't have it: bummer. end of story.
Jesus makes it clear: "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34). So Lent is a two step dance: turning away from the old (saying no) AND ALSO turning to the Lord (saying yes). Lent is about re-turning to right action. In that sense Lent helps us to do what Jesus said at the beginning of his ministry: "Repent and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15). So if giving up chocolate helps you to follow Jesus, so be it.
In Isaiah, God tells us about fasting: "Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?" (Isaiah 58:5-7).
Lent is call to liberation from whatever has you down. And it is also based in concrete action so that others may also be free. To follow Jesus is to be free. And none of us are free if one of us is bound. Following Jesus may be as easy as sharing bread with the hungry. (Hooray for Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday!) This is the fast that I choose.
Hungrily,
David
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