“Lenten Joy” – two words that are mutually exclusive. Or are they? Let me share some thoughts with
you. Early traditions of Lent, up to 325 AD focused on fasting. Some historians explain fasting as a mirror of Jesus 40 days fasting before his ministry began. After the Council of Nicea, Lenten practices were unchanged for centuries. Fasting was mandatory but the one-meal-a-day restriction was lifted by the 1400s and new practices began, like the idea of giving up some luxury or need as a personal sacrifice for
the season. Thus, we have the tradition of giving something up for Lent.
With the rise of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther and others were critical of Lent as it was being practiced. He did not believe that fasting should be mandatory and imposed on people. He emphasized faith and grace rather than ritual observances. The importance of Lent has grown among mainline Protestant churches. They have seen the need for a season to reflect on their need for the cross and to prepare hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. For all faithful observers, Lent is about Jesus and what he did.
Why the concept of joy? It’s not a flagrant celebration or dancing, or parties, but is an inner satisfaction and comfort. Lenten literature identifies pillars of Lent. The number varies but the traditional prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to which some add abstinence are widespread. Others use terms like peace, purpose, power, pardon, or reflection, repentance, and reconciliation.
I contend that any of these pillars, if practiced, bring a kind of joy and satisfaction to us and to our God of love and grace. Prayer and/or reflection are having conversations with God who has already granted us grace and love and quite often a way to impact an issue with which we are dealing. Fasting is supposed to emulate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, but I think God would rather we take care of ourselves so we can help those who are “fasting” from involuntary food insecurity. But if you find that giving up a food item or habit makes you feel better, go ahead. God will smile with you in joy. But this leads me directly to almsgiving. Here at Trinity, it is done not just done during Lent but throughout the year as we reflect the radical love of Christ.
Thus, however you view Lent and its practices, know that the miracle of Easter Sunday is that God gave his Son, Jesus, to show us how to be the loving, caring humans his Father wanted us to be!
