On Ash Wednesday each year, we are invited to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.
Fasting is the restriction of one’s intake of food. Even in the strictest of traditions, however, fasting is omitted when it may be a detriment to one’s health, when one is travelling or ill, when one is receiving the hospitality of others, or when one has specific health needs.
Abstinence, therefore, may be a much more reasonable practice for many. Refraining from something – whether meat, dairy, alcohol, social media, online shopping, or any other habits which (especially when overconsumed) may draw us away from the connection with our bodies and with Christ, may be very helpful to assist us in our Lenten journey.
In that spirit, you will notice for the period of Lent, that the Sunday bulletins will have fewer printed portions than you have become accustomed to. Some of the readings will be omitted, as well as the intercessions and other areas of text. This is to encourage us as a worshipping body to lift our eyes away from the book and up towards the mystery all around us: at the altar, of course, but also, perhaps, the light streaming through the windows; the beautiful art and architecture; the dance of the liturgy.
You will also notice a shift in liturgical language and music; the language will be more traditional, the organ music less exuberant; there will be more contemplative themes and tones.
There may be some feelings of discomfort attached to these changes, and if so, I encourage you to lean into that discomfort, and use it as an opportunity to focus on Christ; to identify more closely with his suffering in the wilderness and on the journey to the cross. And may all that we do – or abstain from – serve to deepen our discipleship and draw us nearer to the One who gave up everything for the love of us.
Mother Amanda