A good number of Americans know that we are in a spiritual season we call Lent. During the Lenten season in my younger years, we always went to a Wednesday night service. It was a Lutheran thing to do. Frankly, I was never sure why we needed this extra church service.
Oddly, most “evangelical” churches to which I’ve belonged since my childhood do not make a big deal out of Lent. Catholics certainly do. And many “mainline” denominations do as well.
So what’s the big deal?
First, the basics. This word “lent” is derived from a Saxon term that meant “length.” In our northern hemisphere, spring brings longer days. See the connection?
Church history appears to show that even in apostolic times they often recognized a period of preparation before the Easter Celebration. The more formalized practice seems to have arrived at the time of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. (I can almost assure you there were no such things as a Fat Tuesday or paczkis.)
This “period of preparation” came to be a time of dedicated reflection and repentance. One can readily see why this can have deep meaning for those who seriously grasp the weight of the sacrifice given by Jesus of Nazareth in our behalf. This Lenten period would culminate by remembering His crucifixion on what we call Good Friday.
So “sacrifice” seems to be a natural connection to Lent. Many people who engage in a Lenten practice will determine what they will “give up” (sacrifice) during this 40-day period. It is not just a self-control test. The serious player will put aside some form of natural desires to honor the greatest sacrifice made in their behalf at the cross where Jesus died.
Avoiding certain foods—even fasting—is among the most common Lenten withdrawal. Alcohol consumption is up there as well. Breaking media habits to spend time in personal reflection and meditation are wise moves any time of year, but particularly for Lenten celebrants.
Regrettably, the sacrificial efforts can be weakened in two ways. One, if it’s done as a religious performance without the true heart of contrition. And second, that which is given up becomes silly. Even ridiculous. Christianity Today published a list of what people put on Twitter as the most common things people “gave up for Lent.” Included were homework, single use plastic, men…and work. Now there’s real sacrifice!
Catholics in particular are noted for their commitment to eat fish on Fridays during Lent. (See the link below as to why.)
Jesus of Nazareth selected several fishermen as disciples. His initial call out included four of them: Andrew, Peter, James, and John. Bible students would know Jesus had an advantage over them. He KNEW where the fish were.We have two examples of Him telling the boys where to get a good catch.
The first is found in Luke 5:1-7. Jesus uses Simon Peter’s boat to sail out a little from the shore so the Master can speak to the crowds more easily. When He’s finished, He tells Peter to head into deeper water and drop the nets. Peter thinks he knows better, but does what Jesus asks. Voila! A huge catch of fish!
The scenario is somewhat repeated in John 31:1-13. The resurrected Christ is sitting on the shore with a warm fire while the disciples are fishing in the morning. They don’t know He’s there. Jesus calls out to them and instructs the expert fishermen to try their nets on the OTHER side of the boat. Once again, a fish feast!
I’ve been to a kibbutz in Israel a few times and had what they call “St. Peter’s fish.” It’s fine, just not my cup of seafood. I do admit to enjoying fishsticks. With tartar sauce, of course.
But I do wonder…are fishsticks really fish? If not, don’t tell me. I like to believe I’m eating healthy. Just like my Catholic friends on Lenten Fridays.
That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.
You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?
For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com
Articles of interest:
https://catholicism.org/why-do-catholics-eat-fish-on-friday-2.html
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