Introduction

 

What is Lent?

 

Lent is a period of 40 days starting with Ash Wednesday (for this year it was March 5) prior to Easter day, during this time Christians all around the world prepare our hearts through prayers, devotions, fasting, or other spiritual activities.

 

Why Lent?

 

If our loved one passes away we gather with all the family and friends to  remember him through a funeral service, and every year we may go back to the cemetery to remember him because he was / is deeply loved.

 

Jesus is our great shepherd, our loving teacher, and our dearest friend, and he consciously chose to walk up to the cross to die for us so we can live eternally. Have we thought about what we have done to remember Jesus’ death on the cross? Have we done anything special to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection, as well as our role as followers of Jesus around the Easter time?

 

That is why even though PGC may not observe strict religious ceremonies for Lent like other churches may do, we think it is important we spend Lent and remember Jesus, as well as meditate and reflect on our lives through devotion and prayers.

 

Fasting?

 

Traditionally, Lent is a time when Christians fast, or give things up.  It is important to know that physically fasting does not ‘purify’ our soul and the act of giving up on things we like does not ‘’cleanse’ our sins.  We are justified and redeemed by Jesus’ death and no deed on our own can replace or ‘add to’ that salvation.

 

When we deny ourselves of familiar comforts though, we learn something powerful about our weaknesses, our needs, and our deepest longing for God. Fasting is a physical activity that points to our spiritual longing to be rooted in Jesus alone and find our true comfort and joy in him.  There are different forms of fasting, some first-timers choose to fast 1 meal per day during the Lent period. Others may choose 1 type of food (meat, for example). You may choose any form of fasting. Our willingness to give up our comfort is far more important than how we fast.

 

Alternatively, you may also consider giving up an activity you normally enjoy doing – watching TV, playing video games, or social media like Facebook, Whatsapp etc. Do keep in mind that fasting / giving up something alone does not draw us closer to Jesus. The principle is the same – to restrict ourselves from our material comfort, we learn about our weakness, the chain and control these activities have on our lives, and our longing for Jesus. We should instead use that time to reflecting on our weakness and our needs, and focus on building a stronger relationship with our Lord during the time of our physical needs.

 

Whichever way you choose, we recommend you to try to fast or give up 1 thing you enjoy in Lent 2014.

 

 

I’d like to try but …

 

• Q: We are half way into Lent already if it started on Ash Wednesday, why don’t I try next year instead?
• A: The main purpose of Lent is to remove things that give us physical comfort or leisure or sense of security, and through our lacking or need we learn to rely on Jesus and Jesus alone. Therefore it does not matter we start on Ash Wednesday, before Ash Wednesday, or even 5 days prior to the end of Lent. The length of time we fast or give up something is not the key here.

 

• Q: I have a weak stomach, fasting might be bad for my health. Can I give up something else instead?
• A: Absolutely! You may give up 1 type of food you like, you may give up eating meat or fish during this period, you may give up an activity you like as well – using internet, social networking, playing video games, playing badminton … as long as it is something you treasure.

 

• Q: This is perfect since my doctor has recommended me to try a low-carb diet to lose weight! I’ll give up carb for Lent!
• A: Again, the point of Lent is to give up something you treasure so you can feel your own weakness, a sense of lacking in your life. You are completely missing the point if Lent becomes a motivation to lose weight, or eat healthy. 

 

• Q: For Lent I am giving up playing video games, and I can use the time to catch-up on a TV series I’ve wanted to watch for a long time!
• A: Ask ourselves why we’re participating in Lent to begin with … it is not a duty. Ideally we participate in Lent because we’d like to build a better relationship with Jesus. Replacing 1 leisure activity we like (video game) with another leisure activity (watching TV) is also missing the point of Lent.

 

• Q: I tried to fast but I failed at it for the first 2 days … should I give up and try again next year?
• A: Lent is not easy, but that’s exactly how it can create a sense of lacking in us. If you failed at it don’t give up, take each day as a new test! And share your experience with your cell members so we can all encourage one another!

 

• Q: What should I expect by fasting? I have been fasting but I can’t hear God’s voice?
• A: The act of fasting itself only achieves half of what we try to achieve. It is through meditating and reflecting on our weakness that we learn to rely on Jesus. Don’t set out to achieve a goal like “hearing God’s voice to me” or “seeking my calling for this year” for Lent. Instead, at times of hunger, or weakness, or lacking, seek Jesus through prayers, devotion and His words.