“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” – Jesus (John 9:4}
In our own time, having light on demand at the flick of a switch is the expectation rather than the exception. However, for most of humanity’s existence, seasonal availability of light had a profound impact on activity and quality of life. The lengthening of days in early spring was something to be anticipated and celebrated. It is the origin of both an early English name for Spring, /encten, and the church season of Lent.
This year, as you prepare for Lent, I encourage you to consider new ways to welcome Christ’s light into your life.
We often associate Lent with rituals of self-denial such as fasting. That is especially true here in Eastern Pennsylvania where fasnachts, originally made to empty the pantry of sugars and fats forbidden during Lenten fasts, still are a favorite annual offering. A Biblical basis for this traditional Lenten practice is found in the story of Jesus fasting for forty days in the wilderness while being tempted by Satan. (See Mark 1 :12-13} .
Over the centuries, countless persons have deepened their relationship with Christ through these means. Yet any practice or discipline which draws you closer to God can be a means of Lenten spiritual enlightenment. For instance, you might …
- make a commitment to do one intentional act of kindness for each of Lent’s forty days,
- vow to spend 10 minutes in prayer each morning before work, at lunch, or in the evening before going to sleep,
- commit to setting aside change to give to the church or other charitable cause,
- vow not to make insensitive, cruel, or judgmental comments about persons during the days of Lent, or
- take a step of faith and volunteer for a church activity or mission
Whatever you do, be aware that spiritual enlightenment is much more like the natural, gradual increase of daylight minute by minute each day than it is the sudden flood of artificial light which comes at the flick of a switch. Patience is not only a virtue; it is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit.