Are We Keeping a “First World” Lent? A Point to Ponder…
I shared these thoughts in my sermon on the First Sunday in Lent because they have been very much on my mind.
Many people I know approach Lent as a time to give up something they like — chocolate, desserts in general, caffeine, and so on. That’s what I grew up believing to be the norm for Lent. It occurred to me that this is a very “First World” approach. But Lent is not a first-world practice — it is a whole-world calling.
What would a young, starving orphan in Madagascar say if I told her I was giving up chocolate for Lent? How do Christians observe Lent when immersed in the horrific conflict and poverty cycles found in many other countries in our world and, to some degree, even in our own communities?
For many years now, I have taken on added study and devotions throughout Lent rather than simply giving something up. This practice has led to my unfailing routine of praying Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer every day. This year, I’ve decided to add walking or running back into my days — since the busier I get, the less I exercise.
Still, I find myself wondering how I — and other Christians living with relative abundance — can transform our Lenten experience into something deeper than what it often resembles. Perhaps it means taking on more work that addresses justice issues present in our communities.
Tomorrow I’ll be helping Algoma Angels serve supper to at least 100 people coming to St. Vincent Place. There is always more that can be done.
Maybe you could share with me what you and your church family are doing to draw closer to God and to reveal God’s kingdom throughout Lent and beyond.
For Your Devotions
A Note About Sunday Observances
Sunday, March 1 — if it had fallen on any day other than a Sunday — would have been the memorial of the Patron Saint of Wales, David. His day is not observed this year. Memorials and commemorations never displace the Sunday celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ (BAS p. 15). These saints may be acknowledged in the intercessions, but propers and readings remain those appointed for the Sunday.
Because this falls within Lent, even churches named for David cannot celebrate his day on Sunday (McCausland’s p. 31).
Monday, March 2
Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary (d. 672)
Chad is credited with helping to Christianize the English kingdom of Mercia — though that almost didn’t happen. He was originally consecrated Bishop of York, but someone else apparently had been as well. The Archbishop of Canterbury judged Chad’s ordination improper, and Chad humbly resigned.
Impressed by Chad’s humility, the Archbishop ensured he was properly ordained elsewhere — in Mercia — where his ministry flourished.
Read more: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Chad
Tuesday, March 3
John and Charles Wesley, Priests and Evangelists (d. 1791, 1788)
John was the fifteenth and Charles the eighteenth child of Samuel Wesley, an Anglican clergyman, and Susanna Wesley. Though often associated with Methodism, both brothers remained loyal to the Church of England. Their movement emphasized disciplined Christian living rooted in the Prayer Book.
Their evangelical zeal unsettled some Anglicans of their day — particularly their emphasis on conversion experience and their willingness to cross parish boundaries.
Charles is especially remembered through hymnody: he wrote more than 6,000 hymns that continue to shape Christian worship.
More information: https://standingcommissiononliturgyandmusic.org/2011/03/03/march-3-john-and-charles-wesley/
Saturday, March 7
Perpetua and Her Companions, Martyrs at Carthage (202)
In a time of persecution, Perpetua and her companions stood firm in faith. Accounts of their martyrdom — some in Perpetua’s own words — reveal extraordinary courage, dignity, and trust in God even as they faced death.
One such account can be read here: http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/117.html