Most Christians are aware that Lent starts Wednesday and many of us will be wearing ashes on our foreheads to remind ourselves that we came from dust and “to dust we will return.”
It’s traditional for members of many denominations to fast, abstain from meat, or deny ourselves some other pleasure during the Lenten time, or to pray more.
I don’t like fasting or denying myself, so I suppose I am one of the those who would benefit most from such self-denial. It is suppose to remind us of Christ’s Pascal suffering and death on Good Friday. I’m not talking about whipping ourselves, or wearing “Sack Clothing”, whatever that is, in today’s world we would be considered fanatics or, even worse, mentally deranged. From our suffering we can rise on Easter to a new life, as He did.
Sometimes there is also some present time, physical good that comes from such actions. For example, if we fast one day a week, we might lose some weight. So, here’s my suggestion: How about one day a week free from TV, Face book, e-mail, cell phone, some, or even all electronic media?
Many families would have a chance to talk face-to-face, renew family acquaintance, or just spend time really “together.”
If you try it for a day, let me know what happens! But don’t expect me to answer an e-mail on Wednesdays, my computer will be off.
Good luck, and have a blessed Lent!