True Lenten Discipline
We begin the second week of Lent, forty days set aside in the Christian church for reflection, self-examination, and sometimes fasting. I recently came across a very different challenge in this season. Instead of fasting chocolate or meat, how about this poem by Brad Berglund.
True Lenten Discipleship
Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity.
Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on optimism.
Fast from complaining; Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-centeredness; Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; Feast on truth.
Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that sustains.
For more information on Brad Berglund: http://www.reinventingsunday.com/brad_berglund_biography.htm
To read previous articles on this topic, see:
Photo was taken by Debra Buenting in 2021 of a monastery in Armenia.
