Joel- (2:12-13) - “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Author: Evangelist Sushanth Daniel

Lent is a 40-day Christian observance before Easter Sunday. It is a period for introspection, seeking forgiveness, and making positive changes. Overall, it is a time to deepen faith and draw closer to God.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance. It serves as a reminder that we are all mere mortals, born from dust and destined to return to dust. This universal truth is undeniable and something that should not be ignored or condemned.

Unfortunately, there are some who foolishly choose to overlook this message and instead indulge in immoral practices. However, for those who are willing to heed the call, the season of Lent offers a chance for redemption and a closer connection with God.

A time of repentance to acknowledge and ask for forgiveness for sins and to wholeheartedly follow in the path of Jesus. It is an opportunity to refresh and renew our spiritual lives, particularly for those who may have strayed from the righteous path.

Fasting and abstaining from certain indulgences, such as meat or addictive substances like smoking and drinking, for the 40-day duration of Lent is often seen as a religious requirement. However, it is important to remember that it is a personal choice and not a mere ritual or law to follow. There is a common misconception that fasting alone can absolve one of their sins, but this is a false belief.

It is vital to understand that Lent is not about performing a cleansing process or ritualistically purifying oneself. Rather, it is a season of reflection, repentance, and forgiveness. It is a time to draw closer to God, to reflect His word in our lives, and to engage in meditation and prayers.

Jesus himself experienced fasting and was tempted by the devil, who offered him numerous rewards in exchange for forsaking his divine purpose. Jesus, however, remained steadfast and did not succumb to temptation. Similarly, we should not expect immediate material blessings for our fasting during Lent. It is not simply about abstaining from food; it is about nurturing our spiritual lives through devotion to God.

Unfortunately, during the Lenten season, many individuals tend to overindulge in feasting, compensating for the upcoming days of fasting. This defeats the purpose of the season, which is repentance and forgiveness. We must remember that Lent is about purging ourselves of toxic habits and negative emotions such as hatred, anger, lust, jealousy, and engaging in behaviors like smoking, drinking, and adultery.

The recipe for cleansing oneself of these toxic elements lies in dedicated time for meditation and prayer. To truly understand and internalize the word of God, it is essential that we set aside quality time to read the Holy Bible. Without exposure to His teachings, how can we truly know the truth?

You should allocate time for yourselves amid your busy schedules. You should actively seek moments of prayer and take part in fellowships to break down the walls of pride and isolation. However, the commitment to a righteous life and a deep connection with God should not be limited to the 40 days of Lent but rather continue throughout the year.

May this season of Lent serve as a time of introspection, forgiveness, and a renewed spiritual walk. Let us embrace this opportunity to cleanse our souls and seek a deeper connection with God, not just through fasting and abstaining from worldly pleasures but through genuine repentance and a commitment to live a righteous life.

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us understand repentance, and draw closer to you. Open our hearts to your teachings, guide us through the Holy Bible. Be with us always, freeing us from negativity and filling us with peace, love, and forgiveness. Empower us to live righteously and love others selflessly. We ask for forgiveness and extend it to others. Thank you for this Lenten season of transformation, renewal, and closeness to you. – In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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