Reflection for February 27, 2004: Friday after Ash Wednesday.
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Authors
Whitney, Tamora
Issue Date
2004-02-27
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
Lent is always difficult, and not always for the right reasons. There's always the problem with what to 'give up for Lent.' My first Lent as a Catholic, over twenty years ago, I gave up meat, and I haven't eaten it since. I'm pleased with my vegetarian lifestyle choice, but since I never eat meat, I can't give it up for Lent again, and then I even have to come up with something else to do on the abstinence days, since not eating meat is no additional sacrifice for me. | In the first reading today the people are upset because God does not seem to be taking appropriate notice of their sacrifices. Sort of like me on the abstinence days: "Hey, look at me, I'm not eating a burger" -- well, duh, I don't eat burgers on the other days either. They are making a show of sacrifice, without any true sacrifice. God says that making a show of a fast, when their hearts are not in it is not a true sacrifice. They go about their selfish lives and sin against others while they are making a show of a sacrifice and then expect God to answer their prayers. This is not the way it works. Not then, and not for Lenten sacrifices. God tells them that if they want true notice from God, they need to change their hearts. Instead of making a show of a fast, they need to start treating each other decently. Instead of denying themselves food as a show, but continuing to advance themselves by debasing others, they should help others and fight injustice. Their fasting is not solidarity or a true sacrifice but an attempt at attention. | This year for Lent I will still be giving up meat, as I have every day for the past twenty plus years. And for selfish reasons I won't give up chocolate: (my birthday is during Lent and I want the chocolate cake.) And even if I gave up chocolate, there would be a definite suffering and a symbolic solidarity, but that would only affect me. I decided I wanted to find something that would fit the ideas from the reading: something that would be a hardship for me, but that would also be a help to someone else. I'm a horrible packrat and the stuff in my house has become unmanageable. For Lent this year I'm going to clean out my closet and donate the stuff to charity. Cleaning is a hardship for me. Getting rid of anything is a genuine sacrifice. But getting rid of it in the right way can help someone else. I have way too much stuff and I need to simplify. Much of my excess stuff is good stuff and I know there are people who could use it and really need it. Instead of suffering symbolically over a piece of chocolate cake, I'm going to eliminate some of my excess and donate to those in need. I'm going to do my part in sharing my bread with the hungry and clothing the naked. Instead of giving up, I'm going to do some giving out.
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University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary number: 221