How should we observe Lent? The response is found in the New Testament: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God. But he who loves not, knows not God for God is love.” Lent is not about self-denial for self-denial’s sake, or even for only my self’s sake. Lent is about love. After all, doesn’t it end with the Passion of our Lord?
So here’s the point: whatever Lenten observance we observe, if it is not for one another, for the world, for our enemies, then it is a noisy gong and a clanging symbol and we have gained nothing.
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord with me abide;
I shall follow where you guide.
LJS
