3-21-11<\/p>\n
\u201cGiving something up for Lent\u201d has a sacred origin, of course; and an ancient origin. Sacrifice and self-denial are old Christian traditions, as believers wanted to discipline themselves to identify with Christ\u2019s suffering.<\/p>\n
As we noted last week, one reason that God ordained the manner<\/em> of Jesus\u2019s death \u2013 surrender, betrayal, suffering \u2013 was to show mankind that the Deity understands the human condition. Holy irony, beautiful synergy. Old observances of the church have changed through the years; for instance, baptisms once were performed only on Easter Sunday. During the Reformation, when there was a desire to push back on sacred rites that had become empty rituals, the long and hard fasts during Lent were changed: individuals made private determinations to sacrifice something precious in order to thank, honor, and \u201cimitate\u201d Christ, for the sake of our souls.<\/p>\n Eventually that<\/em> became a ritual, or a joke, or a scheme to diet or save lunch money. Not with everyone, of course, but with many people.<\/p>\n This idea is not new with me, but since \u201cgiving something up for Lent\u201d is not something from the lips of Jesus, but man-made, no matter how well-intentioned\u2026 could we not also thank God, honor Christ, and, yes, \u201cimitate\u201d Him, if we took up<\/em> something for Lent, instead of laying something aside? That is, something for Him, not for us.<\/p>\n Jesus took up the cross! He allowed Himself to be lifted up<\/em> in painful crucifixion! He willingly added<\/em> burdens to Himself in the period before Easter.<\/p>\n Surely we can do the same, and for motives just as pure and God-honoring. Not to gain gold stars, or make a list of good works, or\u2026 turn this<\/em> concept into an empty ritual. But we can all think of adding to our moral to-do list, not temporarily erasing from it, at least for this Lenten season (and beyond!)<\/p>\n The world is hurting\u2026 look everywhere. Charities are starving\u2026 of staff, not just money. Your neighbor needs a ride\u2026 and maybe a word from God. That broken relationship you have somewhere\u2026 needs reconciliation. Someone who wronged you\u2026 needs forgiveness. We all<\/em> need forgiveness\u2026 so there is a model for us. We received it from the Cross.<\/p>\n