Thinking about Lent part 1

Thinking about Lent part 1  

Thinking about Lent:

As you know, Lent for this year is fast approaching. In fact, Ash Wednesday will be this coming week.

Normally I am fast asleep at the time, but tonight I am wide awake.  I am thinking about Lent since there are only 3 days to go.

The Church puts  before us 3 areas  to consider during Lent: Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving.

Before I think about these areas, I have to say that over the years I have struggled with the Lenten season.  I have had some terrible lent's where I struggled so much and then gave up, some Lents which, with all the best of intentions started well, and gave up in the 4th week, and worse, and yes, even a lent that I never got started. So as you can see, I am no expert on Lent.!!!

So I am thinking about Lent right now so I can come up with a manageable plan of action for me
Maybe this might help you in some way.

1. Firstly, I  ask God and myself through prayer: what is the goal for Lent this year.: Lent means a change of heart. What needs to change in my heart this year?

2. Secondly I make a list of what is working well in my spiritual life and what needs to change. If the list gets longer than expected, then great- I have more to work on the whole year.

3.Then from there I think about the areas of Fastings, Prayer and Almsgiving.  Let's start to think about Fasting in this post.

FASTING What does the Church mean by fasting?   The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Good Friday is either fish  or vegetable casserole. Hot Cross buns are usually served as the light snack.  It is highly recommended that we maintain fasting by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.  This is the bare minimum that the Church requires.
However the Church specifies that the age group required to fast is from 14-65.  However if you are over 65 and still able to fast without due effects to your health, then it is penitential to do so and can help those who are physically unable to fast.

However, regardless of age, we are meant to be doing some sort of penance during Lent and especially on Fridays in Lent.  Fasting from food may be one option.

 As I was thinking about this and how I feel about fasting, I have to say that I really struggle with it. When I try, I get massive headaches during Lent.  I have tried different ways to fast such as not watching my favourite TV programme/s and using that time in prayer.

For many years I struggle with the fasting element of Lent. Last year I was slightly more successful in this area when I realised that every time fasting was mentioned, it caused something in my brain to translate it as '' to eat more''.  So, I translated the word fasting as eating (reverse psychology). This actually stopped the negative feedback my brain was providing.

You may find this post interesting to read as part of your preparation for Lent in relation to fasting

Earlier in the year, I heard a priest in his homily refer to the phrase ''glorify God in your body''. It captured my attention like no other.  I wondered whether this might be the answer I have been looking for to help me with fasting in Lent.  He was talking about something else. However, I thought this might be a great aid for me.  So, I decided to try it out.

I hope that this year that I will glorify God in my body, mind and spirit as I attempt to fast. This will be my chant  when I am tempted to see what is in the pantry or fridge. I have tried this phrase a few time now and it seems to stop me and helps me close the door of the pantry and fridge  I have also tried singing a verse of a hymn. Keep you posted of the idea.

What is important as you think about fasting and Lent is what works for you.  and that what you choose is either sustainable for Lent or that you have a some other ideas ready if your first idea is not working well.  I hope not to give up this lent.

A  successful lent is difficult to measure, since only God and You know what you have achieved or not and what your motivation was.

For me, I know I need to prepare and have a plan of action to follow.  I can adjust the plan, but if I do not have a plan I waste lent.  I have had too many lents that have been wasted and disastrous. I hope they one will be different. and that you indeed have a wonderful lent too. Let us keep in other in prayer.