For Christians around the world, this week is a time of spiritual significance. On Wednesday, 18, Lent begins. It is a period of 40 days, not counting Sundays, in which we prepare for Easter, the most important Christian celebration.
The word “Lent” means springtime. To prepare for a spiritual, as well as a physical springtime, many Christians give up something they enjoy for Lent. It reminds them of what Christ gave up so we might live eternally.
This has been the practice of Roman Catholic Christians since the days of early Christianity. During the 20th century, more and more Protestant Christians observed the practice. In the 1950s, my husband Ralph, our two small sons and I lived in Knoxville. Ralph was serving as pastor at the Washington Pike United Methodist Church, and we had a wonderful Catholic family as neighbors.
They had a huge basement and each year they hosted a neighborhood Mardi Gras party. All the children in the neighborhood loved dressing up for the party, and we all wore masks. There were family party games and what seemed like a ton of food. When we stepped on the scales the following morning, we were ready to give up some food for Lent.
Actually, I never gave up anything very significant. I gave up ice cream once and fried chicken four times, but never could make myself turn loose my love of chocolate. My brother joyfully gave up broccoli and brussel sprouts.
As I’ve grown a little more in spiritual maturity, I’ve realized the significance of giving up something more substantial, something that needs to be out of my life completely. This year, I found James Moore’s little book, “Give Up Something Bad for Lent,” in which he suggests that we give up something like bad attitudes or actions that defeat us, mentioning things like bitterness, pettiness and not forgiving. The book pointed directly toward my weakness — procrastination.
I challenge you to find your weaknesses and together we’ll give them up for Lent and have a glorious Easter.
Contact Nell Mohney at nellwmohney@comcast.net.