For many, Lent is a time of 'giving up' - giving up chocolate, or soda, or... - all in an effort to remind ourselves daily of all that was/is sacrificed for us. Some see Lent as a time of 'taking on' - taking on acts of kindness, or service, or... - all in an effort to remind ourselves of all that has been/is given to/for us. Both are ways of seeking healing and wholeness, and reconciliation with others and with Spirit.
But what if healing isn't found solely in fasting (giving up) or found solely in feasting (taking on more)? What if the deepest healing is found when we are able to fast and feast - when we fast from the things we live better without while at the same time feasting on those things we live better with, in abundance? You see, fasting or refraining from discontent doesn't mean we live more gratefully. Gratefulness arises when we seek to live aware of all that we are blessed by/with. Fasting from anger doesn't necessarily mean we live more patiently. Patience comes from accepting our humanity and the humanity of others, and seeking to live in ways that honor the light of Spirit within each other. Fasting from self-concern doesn't necessarily mean we live more lovingly, more compassionately. Just because I stop worrying about myself doesn't mean I start to give a whit about you. And fasting from worrying doesn't necessarily mean we live more fully into faith.
The list below was shared at a retreat I was blessed to participate in this past weekend.
I pray we give up and take on at least one of these daily, not just during Lent - oh what a world that would be!
True Lenten Disciplines
Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on optimism.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on alternatives.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from worry;
Feast on faith.
