Reading a comment made by Bill Winston on another post, I thought I would make a post regarding giving up something for Lent. When thinking about "giving up" something for Lent, I'm reminded of this verse: "Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps." (Luke 9:23)
Most of the time we decide to give up something like chocolate, coffee, soda, etc. for Lent. And that is great! It helps us learn how dependent we have become on something like that, and it may even help us be a little healthier too! But are there other things we can give up or do during Lent? Many times people, DO something, such as help the poor, work in soup kitchens, or things like that instead of or in addition to giving up something during Lent.
Tomorrow's reflection on EWTN's webiste, gives a list of things we can give up in addition to what we may have already planned to give up.
Here's the list:
WHAT TO GIVE UP . . .
Give up complaining. . . . . . . .focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism. . . . . . . . . become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments . . .think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry. . . . . . . . . . . . . trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement. . . . .be full of hope.
Give up bitterness. . . . . . . . . . turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred. . . . . . . . . . . . . return good for evil.
Give up negativism . . . . . . . . .be positive.
Give up anger. . . . . . . . . . . . . .be more patient.
Give up pettiness. . . . . . . . . . .become mature.
Give up gloom. . . . . . . . . . . . . .enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy. . . . . . . . . . . .pray for trust.
Give up gossiping. . . . . . . . . . .control your tongue.
Give up sin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . turn to virtue.
Give up giving up. . . . . . . . . . . hang in there!
With that in mind, I thought we could all leave a comment about what we are giving up for Lent so that we can pray for each other during these 40 days of Lent. I'll start the list here, so make sure you leave a comment about what you are doing this Lent....
- For Lent, I am going to try to fast for 40 days. By fast I mean, I am going to use the rules of fasting that the Church uses--1 meal a day and 2 smaller meals that do not equal the one larger one, also no snacking in between (which is REALLY hard for me) and no drinks that would be considered food in between meals (which is hard for me too because I love my mango smoothies after a workout). I am also going to try to dedicate at least one hour of my day to prayer, which I hate to say I've slacked off on lately. Also, my husband, Chip, is going to give up one of his favorite things--McDonald's. So I ask that you please pray for us in our Lenten journey, just as we will pray for you.
†
J.M.J.
Posts
When Jesus went into the desert he was tempted three times, I think when you get tempted to give in to the promise you made in lent, think of Him. Think of the devil asking you to prove yourself not holy, close your eyes every time you get tempted and ask God to release this temptation. Think of it this way, look at the temptation and tell yourself, do I want to let Jesus have control or the devil. Just a thought, I am a big sinner. I say way too much and blurt out things before I think. I feel awful when I do it so please keep me in your prayers too. Keep up the good lenten penitence, it's going to make us stronger!!
ReplyDeleteGIgi Lui
It is not so much what I am giving up it is what I am adding to. I want to spend more time in prayer and doing God's work in my various ministries. In the past I did things when I felt like i had time however the needs are there even when I am not. So I am trying much harder to be available to people.
ReplyDeletethanks
Dale Childress
I think adding to our Lenten journey is wonderful. You are all right in that we always focus on the "giving up" for Lent instead of the "doing", when "doing" something is, in my opinion, what we need to try to make sure we accomplish. I wish everyone the best in their own Lenten journey. By the way, day 2 of my Lenten fast is going well!
ReplyDelete