I’m Giving Up!
but what, why & how?
by Ian Mascarenhas
March 5th is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent, which is the preparation time for Easter. One thing we usually focus on in Lent is “giving up something”, making a sacrifice. But what’s the point sacrificing, anyway?
As I talked with a group about what they would give up, a child said, “I’m giving up broccoli,” and then laughed (along with others). That didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice.
The whole point about “Lenten sacrifice” should be to help us get closer to God and God’s family. Things that I’ve sacrificed are ones that I really miss and think about; when I think about what I gave up, that becomes an opportunity to focus on God, in prayer or study or serving others. One thing I’ve given up is the radio during my “drive time”, and minimizing the noise level allowing the voice/messages of God to be more clearly heard.
But another perspective about “sacrifice” is adding something that helps me focus on God, like an extra Mass each week. Then what “I’m giving up,” is time and effort, and actually devoting them toward developing/strengthening my relationship with God.
