Lent, Self Sacrifice, and Finding Joy

Literally meaning “Springtime,” the observation of “Lent” – a liturgical season traditionally marked by the practices of penitence, fasting, sacrifice, giving, and prayer – takes place during the forty days preceding Easter. Unfortunately, in recent times, this important time of Spiritual Discipline has either become “ritualized” into a near empty or superficial time of giving up chocolate, or pizza, or some bad habit… or ignored altogether. What a pity – because this truly can be a time of deep association with the journey of Christ through the wilderness.

Henri Nouwen defines Spiritual Disciplines as “creating a space in your life for God to work.” Intentionally stopping our routine, and seeking an experiential time with the Holy Presence.

The point of fasting, self denial, or “giving something up” isn’t about performing a ritual, or proving one’s stamina, the point is to realize how preoccupied and dependent we have become on the things of this world – at the cost of our spiritual awareness. The awareness that Christ is indeed the ONE thing we truly need. Christ's journey through the wilderness tested what He relied on most, who He trusted implicitly, and how He would fulfill His purposes.

In the desert Christ was faced with the choice between earthly food and heavenly sustenance,

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered, "It is written; 'People do not live on bread alone.'" Luke 4:1-4

The choice between earthly prestige and Divine priority,

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours."

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" Luke 4:5-8

And the choice between being humanly spectacular or being heavenly significant,

The devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Luke 4:9-12

After enduring this time of testing, angels came to attend to His needs (see Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). When was the last time angels tended to your needs – could it be that when we depend solely on physical provision we miss the blessing of authentic spiritual sustenance?

This Lenten season, I encourage you to travel the path of Jesus in the wilderness. Dare to be tended by angels.

Book Suggestion: Bread and Wine, Readings for Lent and Easter; Orbis Press.