Not long after the end of Christmas merriment, on February 10 began the season of Lent for the Christian world. This period lasts altogether 46 days (technically 40 as Sundays are excluded), and culminates with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
As on the New Year Day, when people make resolutions to change unhealthy ways or negative aspects of their character, most Christians make use of the Lenten period to reflect on issues troubling their lives, particularly affecting the spiritual side. They keep before their eyes the painful journey of Jesus to Calvary before being nailed to the Cross.
In German speaking countries, this period is called Fastenzeit (“Fasting time”). While fasting is not mandated as for Muslims during the month of Ramzan, those who wish to get more out of Lent, do fast. Most people, though, it is abstain from certain things that they most relish to experience some degree of Jesus’ pain.
The spiritual leaders, however, keep challenging the faithful to raise the bar of self-denial, and to go beyond fasting from just food and drinks and to consider those aspects of one’s character that hinder good relationships with others and with God.
People are advised, for instance, to fast from anger and hatred which often terminate a long and beautiful relationship. Jesus insisted that one go and make up with one’s enemy before going to worship or before sunset or on the way to the court. One is also asked, “What about fasting from judging others?” Jesus said, “Judge not and you shall not be judged…” And, “First remove the log from your own eye, then you will be able to see clearly the speck in your brother’s eye.”
One of the obstacles in life’s journey, spiritual or otherwise, which pounces on us unannounced is discouragement.
But the Bible teaches us, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”.
It is not unusual to find people, especially at the work place and sometimes in our families, who constantly complain about something or the other, realising little that neither life nor any human being is perfect. So what about fasting from complaining and focusing on God’s innumerable gifts to us? This could lead us naturally to fasting from resentment and bitterness.
And even if one is fasting only from food and drinks, people are advised to share with the hungry and thirsty what is saved from it. Unlike other Lenten season, this year has a special significance as it is the “Jubilee Year of Mercy”. And since fasting is common to people of all religions, we could all benefit from it.
