Did you know that nowhere in the Bible will you find the word Lent? This word originally meant no more than the spring season. Yet, many religions encourage, some demand, that Lent include the act of fasting from food or drink during the 40 days preceding Easter with the idea it will increase your spirituality and wholeness. Abstaining from chocolate, alcohol or other tangible goods could improve your health and might make you feel proud, but in my opinion it will do little to improve your one-on-one relationship with your Creator.
As New Thought leader Charles Fillmore wrote in his book, A True Lent, “Prayer and fasting are matters of communion with God, not matters of public display. They are transactions in mind. It is of no use to go through the outer form if the feeling of communion with God is not established. In abstinence from worldly things the mind must be filled with thoughts of God, else there is no spiritual value in fasting.”
The 40 days preceding Easter, then, is an opportune time to abstain from condemnatory or revengeful, thoughts and behaviors. In short, you will more likely strengthen your relationship with God when you stop criticizing your co-worker or refrain from condemning your neighbor than from abstaining from a chocolate bar.
I am living with a situation where four noisy people–four males and one female—are renting the 1000 sq ft condo above me. My condo is owned, yet, the owner of the upstairs condo rents his. I can hear every step the renters take, every drawer they close, every door they slam, every time they open and close the washing machine, and every squeal and cry from their six year old. All too frequently, someone drops something on the floor that sounds like the dumping of a truckload of lumber or metal.
My body is in constant “fight or flight” due to the unexpected noises. Every day my anger flares, my chest tightens, and often I become so short-winded, I struggle for breath in response to the constant noise. Furthermore, my consciousness is filled with unloving thoughts, festering vendettas and distressing helplessness. Daily reaction to this situation is definitely bad for my heart condition.
The renters were informed of the noise factor when they moved in six months ago, but it has made little impact on their behavior. Late one evening this past week the noise was so unbearable, I took the round end of my broom and stomped hard three times on my floor (not the ceiling), reminding them of the noise that filters between the two units.
They stomped back harder with their feet. That is the mindset I’m dealing with. No doubt they signed a lease which means they will be living here at least another 6 months, if not longer. I informed the condo association of the noise, but due to current extenuating circumstances nothing much can be done in regard to renters until 2011.
I am taking up a challenge during this Lenten period, regarding the noise. Believe me, this is huge because the noise pollution is a daily occurrence. I have done everything I can do about this, so now I take up the challenge to stop, pray, and send blessings to the renters in each moment of insufferable noise. I will probably be an extremely busy person praying and blessing. Seriously, I know it won’t be easy, and I know I won’t be perfect in handling it every day. But I take up the challenge to stop condemning them and remind myself of God’s Love in every moment for every person.
I am challenging you to do the same during this Lenten season. Each time you catch yourself thinking unworthy or angry thoughts toward yourself or another child of God, stop in the moment and send blessings or say a prayer, and see what happens? I suspect our hearts will soften. I suspect we will learn something new about love and forgiveness. I suspect we will not only share a closer relationship with our Creator but will become aware of something meaningful about ourselves.
From the cross Jesus whispered, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” If those who crucified him had realized with whom they walked, they never could have killed him. The Lenten challenge I offer is an opportunity to augment the Christ spirit inherent in each of us. That’s the meaning of Easter.
Taking up the challenge during this Lenten season is our opportunity to see if we might be able to speak those words and enjoy greater peace within ourselves and the world. All things are possible with God. Who knows what transformations might take place when you take up the challenge.
