The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Fasting And The 40 Days Of Lent

This week we will conclude our study on fasting. We will tie this conclusion in with the upcoming Lenten season. Today, Lent is marked by a time of prayer, repentance, fasting, and almsgiving. The 40 days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday and end the Saturday before Easter. Sundays are not included in the counting of the 40 days. While all denominations do not have specific observances of the Lenten season, it is an important time for all Christians to reflect with greater emphasis upon the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Savior. Often during the Easter season we place too much emphasis on the excitement of Palm Sunday and the pageantry of the Easter programs, new outfits, egg hunts, and wonderful meals; while failing to look at the sufferings of a sinless Savior, who took our sins to the cross so that we might be reconciled to God. 

While growing up, I never observed Lent. A classmate from a different denomination would often give up potato chips during time. She loved potato chips and that was her sacrifice for 40 days. Sounds simple, but I know now that God honored her in her fast. 

Earlier in our series on fasting, I mentioned that there were different types of fast. I pray that your interest was peaked and you did some studying about them. Today, I’ll just say that maybe during this Lenten season, we’ll all give up something that we enjoy for 40 days. It might be some type of food or drink. Maybe consider a fast from your favorite T.V. shows, those telephone calls that turn into gossipy, complaining sessions, or maybe those trips to the mall and internet shopping that lead us to buying more of what we already have too much of. Remember that this is also a season of almsgiving. We can shop for someone else who is in need or we can give some of what we already have. As we sacrifice food or a certain meal, we can share that with the elderly, the homeless, or anyone who could use a good meal.  

Whether you choose to fast or not during the Lenten season is up to you, but as Christians we should all place ourselves humbly before God, knowing that we could never purchase our salvation, but being forever mindful that Jesus did. Let us confess and repent of our sins, rather than focusing on the sins and shortcomings of others. We must empty ourselves of false pride and self righteousness. Our religious ceremonies and programs mean nothing to God if our hearts are not right towards Him and others. We must reflect on 11 Chronicles 7:14 with greater emphasis. We are God’s people, we are called by His Name; we must humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. We want to hear from heaven and we want our land to be healed. The healing of the land must first begin with us. I pray that during this Lenten season, we will take off our righteous robes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and come before God with a new humility that is willing to confess and repent, asking Him to have mercy on us. I believe that if we fast, pray and give alms during this season, we will celebrate “Resurrection Sunday” with a new focus and determination for true ministry and see souls added to the Kingdom of God.  

Please join the Butler County Ministerial Alliance for noonday Lenten services beginning Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 210 Church Street. Services will conclude on Good Friday.