Lenten Thoughts

We are now on the third day in the season of Lent. In the Christian tradition, Lent is a 40-day preparation for Easter which is the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Lent is always associated with renewal – a time to enrich and deepen our relationship and faith in God. Fasting, prayers and almsgiving are instituted to help us achieve our goal. Fasting teaches us discipline and control over our body's wants and desires.  Almsgiving is a  charitable and selfless deed by which we understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.  Prayer draws us to a more meaningful relationship with God. (One must realize that all the great religions in the world also devote a period of fasting and self-denial – the Muslims have Ramadan, the Jews have Yom Kippur and the Hindus observe Maha Shivatri .)

Lent could also be  an acronym for Let’s Eliminate Negative Thinking. Regardless of one’s spiritual convictions or religion,  we should all eliminate negative thoughts or things, negative judgment, attitude and actions.

Let us also focus on the positive. The cross is a plus (+) sign or a positive sign. Let’s see Lent as a time for a positive change in our life. Lent calls for a positive action. Let us not see Lent as a collection of prohibitions but view it as an option for the positive - to make a difference.