“What are you giving up for Lent?” That was a question that I remember people asking me since grammar school. Usually the answers were very similiar, “candy, sweets, desserts.” I remember in high school religion a priest asked each of us what we were giving up for Lent. One classmate was given several major detentions for giving a rather smart-aleck remark. He said that he was giving up church for Lent. The class was more amused by this comment than was the priest.
The question is still relevant for those of us who strive to be good disciples of Christ. Do we need to give something up for Lent? Recently I am hearing from friends who are deciding to “take on” something for Lent rather than “give something up.” I’m wondering if they have the right idea. Should Lent be taking on more of the Spiritual Disciplines rather than give up something physical and tangible.
A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook a chart of spiritual things to take on and to give up habits and actions that get in our way rather than giving up foods or other physical items. Perhaps we all might gain from using this chart. It might make us more spiritual beings and be focused less on the worldly.
This chart is posted below. May it be a guide to you during this sacred Lenten season.
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