Ah, Lent is here again—the season where we gleefully declare we’re giving up chocolates, social media, or coffee, only to transform into grumpy saints counting down the days to Easter.
It’s a bit like telling a child you’ll save their sweets for later— and they don’t just give up their sweets but wait for something more. It’s always ‘great expectations’ later, by sacrificing something in the present!
And don’t we love making a spectacle of it?
We pat ourselves on the back, imagining heavenly angelic accountants with huge ledger books in their hands, jotting down our sacrifices. We treat Lent like a spiritual investment plan—give up a little earthly pleasure, cash in on blessings.
Fast now, prosper later!
But hold on—what are we fasting for, really?
Somehow, Lent’s true purpose gets lost. We swap indulgences for discipline, hoping for financial breakthroughs, career promotions, or a miraculous healing—like a divine vending machine ready to dispense blessings at the press of a prayer.
Can you hear God sigh? "Again, with your wish lists Bob?"
But Lent isn’t a holy get-rich-quick scheme. It’s about reflecting on Christ’s journey to the cross—a path not paved with gold but with humility, submission, and love.
But just as we misunderstand Lent, the crowds back then misunderstood too.
Seeing Jesus perform miracles, many pictured a warrior Messiah who’d topple Roman rule and usher in glory days.
And when He hung on the cross, bruised and bloodied, they waited for thunderbolts from heaven. When none came, disappointment crept in.
They didn’t realise that victory wasn’t in conquest but in sacrifice.
And we, like those onlookers at the cross, still miss the point.
We want Lent to fix our problems, not our hearts.
We seek victory over circumstances instead of victory over pride, greed, and selfishness.
But Lent calls us to let go—of false gods, petty desires, and self-centered prayers.
Lent is a wonderful time to realise what Jesus prayed in the Garden, “not my will, but yours!” Oh yes, it’s about seeking God’s will, not bending Him to ours.
So, this Lent, let’s not stand around the cross, expecting a divine pyrotechnic show. Instead of bargaining with God, let’s surrender our hearts. Let’s shift from "Bless me, bless me!" to "Change me, use me!" The true miracle is not an end to earthly struggles but a transformed heart—a soul content with grace, not greatness.
And when Easter arrives, let’s be more than chocolate-starved souls or alcohol deprived people, rushing back to our indulgent ways.
Let’s come out renewed, less of ourselves and more of Him.
Then perhaps, during this period, we won’t just observe Lent but truly live it, drawing nearer to the heart of God, obtaining a lighter spirit and a joyful heart.
Now, that would be a miracle worth celebrating, and the change in us, a miracle, that would be celebrated by every angel in heaven…!
The Author conducts an online, eight session Writers and Speakers Course. If you’d like to join, do send a thumbs-up to WhatsApp number 9892572883 or send a message to bobsbanter@gmail.com
