As we enter the season of Lent, we are reminded that the church has a long tradition of choosing fasts through a forty day preparation for Good Friday and Easter. Many choose to give something up as a sign of their preparation, others wonder why we do this at all. It is good to remember that the point of Lent is not about what we give up, or even if we give anything up, it is about making space in our lives for listening to God. God welcomes that space, so that God can fill it. Sometimes to gently reveal something we need to receive; It might be a word of correction, of noticing what is unhealthy in our lives, but, also a revelation of God’s own suffering love in Christ, how Jesus bore the weight of the world on the road to Calvary. Yes, fasting is a discipline, but we know that disciplines make space for growth and goodness. I have chosen a fast, but, I have also chosen to add a space making feature to my day, which is called the Daily Examen. This is an Ignatian practice that makes space to reflect on where we have encountered God during the day. If you want to join me in trying this practice, I have included a guide here. May you sense the accompaniment of Christ as you walk with him towards the cross this Lenten Season.
