I was raised Roman Catholic in my childhood. My family and I went to church on holidays when my siblings and I were very young. Then when I was around the age of 11, my parents put my brothers and me in R.C.I.A (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: this was for us to become full members of the Catholic Church and undergo baptism, communion, and other Catholic ceremonies). When we were in this program we went to church every Sunday and classes. Around that time is when I first heard of Lent.
Lent is observed by some Christian denominations. Lent is called the great fast. How we prepare is prayer, fasting, almsgiving (works of charity), repentance, and conversion (promise to change). It a 46 day period that reminds us that Jesus was an atoning sacrifice for our sins and prepares us for his resurrection. I briefly partook in Lent in my childhood. I would say I gave up on things and I wouldn't eat meat from time to time on Friday's. I never questioned Lent or let alone my religion when I was younger because it was something my parents had imbedded into my lifestyle.
After my brothers and I underwent all the ceremonies, we continued only going to church for about a year more then stopped. My belief in Christ continued but it became self-taught through YouTube videos and books which made my heart and curiosity in Christianity grow.
This past Ash Wednesday (which marks the first day of Lent) on March 2, I went to church for the first time since I was 12 years old (I am 20 now)! The difference between then and now is that back then it was something I did because I had to and now I want to which makes the experience much more beautiful. I wasn't resistant towards it when I was younger, but a lot of my heart wasn't fully in. I decided it was time to go back to church because I believe it is what God calls us to do. And what better time to go back than on the first day of Lent season which calls us to draw closer to Christ am I right?
Lent is usually spoken as a time to give up on bad habits. When I went to church, the priest said that, "Spiritual discipline is a gain, not a loss." Lent is a challenging time but make no mistake this doesn't mean it isn't rewarding.
Here is a list of some things that I am fasting from:
1. Being on my phone right when I get up in the morning
2. Not eating dinner with my family
3. Cursing
I find those three things drawing me further from God so in times I would do those habits, I simply replace it with more loving actions. For example:
1. Being on my phone when I get up in the morning -> thank God for waking me up and stretching to get my body ready for the day
2. Not eating dinner with my family -> eating with a family member and discussing how our day went
3. Cursing -> being mindful of my language entirely
It is already the 3rd week out of six in Lent. So far fasting from what I have listed above and replacing them with actions that I believe will grow my reverence for God, has made me more grateful and healthy.
Like I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I am participating in Lent now after a long time and this is my first Lent season actually making the conscious choice myself to participate. I am still learning about my religion and that is something that will never stop. If you are in the same boat as me it may feel a bit discouraging. Sometimes when you're researching you get lost in a ton of different information.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH IN AND OUT.
We got this. Pray and ask God to show you where to start in strengthening your journey with him. He will provide you guidance and answers. It may be participating in Lent, like me, or maybe just saying "Thank you Jesus" when you wake up.
At the end of the day, no matter where you are in your relationship with God, he loves you unconditionally and wants you to seek refuge with him :)
Joel 2:12-14 (click hyperlink to access Bible verses that guide during Lent)
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who Knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing- grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.
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