Lent – Don’t Give Up, Wake Up!
Giving up things for Lent or Giving up Lent
Seems as if many American either focus on giving things up for Lent… or maybe even given up on Lent…
During the season of Lent, some Americans give up chocolate or another favorite food. Others dump guilty pleasures like social media or binge-watching television. But most give up Lent.
Three-quarters of Americans (76 percent) say they don’t typically observe Lent, according to a new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.
So what does Jesus ask of us during Lent?
The two things Jesus ask of us during Lent
On Ash Wednesday we were basically told two things
1. “Repent” (change your way of thinking)
Change your way of thinking from placating or manipulating an angry old man to becoming aware of a love greater than any love we have every know whether from a mother or father, husband or wife,
2. “Believe the good news” (live according to this new way of thinking.)
When we wake up to the good news that we are surrounded by God’s grace, it truly becomes ”Amazing grace” If we wake up to the good news of the love God has for us is all around us, we want love as God loves us. And so we live according to this new way of thinking.
Lent is waking up to the fact that Jesus is in our midst today and the meaning of Mathew 25 “whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me.”
Waking up to Amazing grace
There are many ways of defining this thing called grace and what it calls for. Sometimes it just helps to listen to our brothers and sisters, young and old sharing their awareness of grace in their lives.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and continuing through Easter Sunday, April 12, The Miraculous Medal Shrine will release daily video reflections on Amazing Grace. These short, daily reflections share the stories of men, women, and children who reflect on how grace shapes their lives.
Looking for something to commit to for Lent?
Join us on this journey of faith, and discover ways you can experience God’s “Amazing Grace!” Sign up below to receive your daily Lenten reflection!
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