Lent 2016: No longer Irish Catholic

Perhaps because I grew up surrounded by Irish Catholics, when I hear “Lent,” it is always preceded in my mind by, “What are you giving up for….” Now, as an adult and hopefully more sophisticated theologian than my 6-year-old self, I realize that Jesus never gave up anything for Lent. I mean, after all, he was Jewish, not Christian (semi-adult theologian giggles here). The Lenten season is to remind us the events of Passion Week, leading up to the crucifixion and subsequent rising of Christ Triumphant.

So why remember Passion Week? Why observe Lent? Many Christians I know attend weekly vegetarian soup dinners and bible study classes. Many literally refrain from eating or doing something pleasurable for the 40 non-Sunday days of Lent. I can only guess that this is to remind them that Jesus suffered while he was “in jail” under Pontius Pilate.

I suggest, instead of giving up chocolate, meat, deserts, Starbucks or some other worldly item, we actually try to be more like Jesus during this church season of Lent. How about if we give up:

• Bigotry and hate-mongering?
• Fear and self-loathing?
• Addictive behavior that harms us or others?
• Old sorrows and injuries that keep us moribund?

Let us, instead of giving up, take on something. Try adding to your daily life:

• Gratitude/Awareness practice: Notice the beauty around you. Keep a gratitude journal. Say “thank you,” more often. Write to the good politicians.
• Give the gift of hope to others: Smile at a stranger. Donate more to charity (anonymously). Reconnect with a loved one. End war.
• Self-care: Actually do the exercise program that you have on your “to do” list. Get your teeth cleaned. Get your blood pressure and glucose monitored. Donate blood or platelets so someone else may live.

I’ve been corresponding with someone recently that made me realize some of the emotional baggage I’ve been carrying around with me for a very long time. I made a promise to keep an open heart and mind and work through my fear. Along with the ideas above, this will be my Lenten practice.

Lent is a church season with the ultimate goal of making us a better person. May Easter find you transformed by your Lenten practice, and thereby find the world a little (or a lot) better. Blessings abound if we can but see them.