Many of us, even those who do not identify as Christian, ask a variation of this question during the forty days of Lent. “What are you givingup for Lent?” Following Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday, we tighten our belts and give up something we enjoy. Chocolate was mine for manyyears. How did I do it? Sundays are “grace days” during Lent. Did you know that Sundays are not counted during the forty days of Lent? Yes,it’s true and every Sunday I enjoyed a few squares of chocolate.
Today, a more common question is, “What are you taking on for Lent?” Perhaps you take on a daily practice such as meditation or prayer. Oryou commit to giving a regular donation to our local Harvest Food Bank. You endeavour to be more loving to your family and tell yourpartner each morning that he or she is precious to you. Someone offers to help you out with childcare or errands — their way of taking onfor Lent.
There are as many ways to acknowledge Lent as there are Christians. The followers of Jesus Christ may belong to a particular religion, readthe same bible, and try to keep the same commandments, yet each one of us is different. When in doubt about what to give up for Lent thisyear, please consider putting our differences aside — just give them up.
And if you are searching for something to take on for Lent, may I suggest the biblical text found in John 13:34-35? “I give you a newcommandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that youare my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Anyone can do it — just take on Love.
