Wingnut Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Last year was the first time I actively attempted to observe Lent. My husband did it with me, and did it on his own the year before. I know that, traditionally, one chooses a vice, food, or habit from which they abstain during the 6 week period. If I choose TO do something, rather than to NOT do something, would that be considered an acceptable form of observance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quin Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) Last year was the first time I actively attempted to observe Lent. My husband did it with me, and did it on his own the year before. I know that, traditionally, one chooses a vice, food, or habit from which they abstain during the 6 week period. If I choose TO do something, rather than to NOT do something, would that be considered an acceptable form of observance?Generally not... As it's about sacrifice... Giving up something dear to you in remembrance. That said, people do Lent in myriad different ways. Pretty much anything you would choose to do can be looked at as a sacrifice (of time, if nothing else) if you spin it the right way. LOL... Catholic high schools have some reeeeeally quirky things given up for lent, as there is that age where just the idea of justifying is super attractive. So people get really creative. The way I was taught, however, is that it needs to be something so dear to you that losing it for 40 days is both painful, and pretty much your limit for not having it / you have every intention of restarting after Lent. The whole thing being symbolic of not only HF giving up his only son to us, and we also losing our Savior through his sacrifice.... But ALSO the joy of returning to HF once Lent is over and you can return to your _________. Which is why giving up a vice was frowned upon, although still encouraged as better than not giving up anything. Smoking wasn't included on the vice list, since everyone smoked, but the addiction made it a very painful thing to give up... So it was very popular to give up smoking for Lent for many decades. I don't know if THATs where the vice part came in, or if it's always been around. QETA... A common example of the kind of spin I'm talking about is a house wih 1 vegetarian & 1 Allfoodasaurus. The All-Food can take away meat for lent to sacrifice, and the vegetarian ADDS meat (sacrificing their vegetarianism) for lent. Edited March 5, 2014 by Quin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Well since LDS don't observe lent, I suppose you could make up any rules that you want. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatima Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Well since LDS don't observe lent, I suppose you could make up any rules that you want. :)I was really curious when I saw this thread was started by an LDS, because my LDS friends have told me just that.So, may I ask, Wingnut and Quin, why you are observing Lent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applepansy Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 I was really curious when I saw this thread was started by an LDS, because my LDS friends have told me just that.So, may I ask, Wingnut and Quin, why you are observing Lent?My guess would be to honor God with a form of sacrifice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applepansy Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Since LDS doctrince teaches us that the sacrifice commanded is a broken heart and a contrite spirit, I don't understand Lent. Also, we sacrifice when we give meaningful service, so again I don't understand Lent.How does going without chocolate or meat for Lent show a broken heart and a contrite spirit or do anything meaningful for someone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefche Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 How does going without chocolate or meat for Lent show a broken heart and a contrite spirit or do anything meaningful for someone else?In my opinion, it is a form of fasting. Fasting, in itself, isn't always about someone else. It is a show of sacrifice, obedience, and a way to draw closer to God. Lent is a personal sacrifice for a longer period than 1-7 days. Thus, the person cannot fast completely or even do a type of 3 day fast (no food, water only). It's too unhealthy. So, the person chooses to fast from something that has significance to him/her. By choosing to forgo something that is meaningful to oneself, one is able to give up something personal for the opportunity to show sacrifice, obedience and draw closer to God.From wiki: The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial.It seems to me that Lent is a time for special focus rather than an every day version of prayer, penance, etc. While LDS don't practice Lent, I think the principles are very similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 So, may I ask, Wingnut and Quin, why you are observing Lent?(1) Why not?(2) I like to know more about non-LDS Christian practices, particularly ones like Advent, Epiphany, and Lent, that are steeped in tradition. And observing them helps me feel a greater kinship with other Christians. I also like to learn about Jewish observances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) Okay... Lent in Catholic observance is 40 days. It starts on Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter) and ends at midnight Easter Vigil Mass on Easter Sunday.40 days is significant because Jesus Christ went to the desert for 40 days to prepare for his ministry. During these 40 days, he fasted and prayed and focused on his preparation for his atoning mission. Also, during these 40 days, he was tempted by the devil.This is the basics of what Catholics do in Lent. They fast, pray, and focus on their spiritual life and the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Lent is then a period of repentance and purification.Giving up something is a very small part of the Lenten tradition. Repentance and Purification and the Atoning Sacrifice of Christ for the Salvation of our Spirits is the focus. The sacrifice is then merely a physical commitment to exercise one's Spirit to master over the Body... it's that element of the devil tempting Christ to give up his mission for earthly riches. That chocolate that you decided to give up is then the devil's temptation you are intent on overcoming. So, giving up something the body desperately desires brings forth a tempting challenge for the Spirit.But like what they say about fasting - fasting without a purpose is simply going hungry. Giving up chocolates without going through the entire process of Repentance and Purification and Preparation doesn't hold much meaning.But, just because it's a Catholic tradition doesn't mean it is has no place in the LDS Church. Repentance and Purification is a universal Christian doctrine.---So in answer to the OP. Doing something and sacrificing something are two elements of Lenten Observance. One does not replace the other. Make sense? Edited March 5, 2014 by anatess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 The sacrifice is then merely a physical commitment to exercise one's Spirit to master over the BodyFor what I have in mind, this is what I needed to hear, and what I wanted clarified.So in answer to the OP. Doing something and sacrificing something are two elements of Lenten Observance. One does not replace the other. Make sense?Yes. Thanks so much for chiming in, Anatess. I knew I could count on you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Just to shed further light on my particular question here...I've had trouble (for the last 33 years or so) with exercising regularly. I need to, and I want to, but I really don't enjoy it, and I have a hard time just doing it. I'm not one for new year's resolutions, but I think if I have a very specific goal, with a fixed amount of time, it can work for me, because it's manageable and measurable. So I'm wanting to make myself exercise at least 10 minutes every day during Lent. Some days might be longer, but I think that 10 minutes a day is a reasonable goal and a do-able start for myself. And I hope that, if I'm successful, I'll notice changes in mood, energy, activity, and more, and that I'll both want to and be able to continue the habit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) Just to shed further light on my particular question here...I've had trouble (for the last 33 years or so) with exercising regularly. I need to, and I want to, but I really don't enjoy it, and I have a hard time just doing it. I'm not one for new year's resolutions, but I think if I have a very specific goal, with a fixed amount of time, it can work for me, because it's manageable and measurable. So I'm wanting to make myself exercise at least 10 minutes every day during Lent. Some days might be longer, but I think that 10 minutes a day is a reasonable goal and a do-able start for myself. And I hope that, if I'm successful, I'll notice changes in mood, energy, activity, and more, and that I'll both want to and be able to continue the habit.To make this into a Lenten Observance instead of just a Resolution of some kind using the 40 days of Lent as a timing mechanism, you'll need to tie this to the Atonement.One way could be to find another person who is struggling with exercise and you help motivate her by doing the exercise together everyday until Easter Sunday. This can then tie into Service as a spiritual component of Christ's atoning sacrifice.Another way could be to use the 10 minutes of exercise to clear your mind so that you can then sit down and ponder a chapter of scripture immediately after. This can then tie into Gospel Learning as a spiritual component of Christ's atoning sacrifice.Make sense? Edited March 5, 2014 by anatess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 Another way could be to use the 10 minutes of exercise to clear your mind so that you can then sit down and ponder a chapter of scripture immediately after. This can then tie into Gospel Learning as a spiritual component of Christ's atoning sacrifice.I like this idea, because it's another area that could use improvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 I like this idea, because it's another area that could use improvement.Come to think of it... this would be something I can do too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatima Posted March 5, 2014 Report Share Posted March 5, 2014 (1) Why not?(2) I like to know more about non-LDS Christian practices, particularly ones like Advent, Epiphany, and Lent, that are steeped in tradition. And observing them helps me feel a greater kinship with other Christians. I also like to learn about Jewish observances.I didn't mean to imply that you shouldn't, my apologies if it comes across the wrong way. Anatess has it all nailed, and I must say I am thoroughly impressed with how she explains the Catholic faith, in this thread and others, with facts on the Catholic doctrines and practices. I don't think many people who have left one faith for another are able to maintain level of Christian charity.I would also echo that Lenten observances done just out of habit, cultural tradition, or for some other motive (weight loss comes to mind) is not what the Catholic Church teaches. We are to more fully imitate Jesus Christ, and as He offered Himself for our sakes, we can also offer up our sufferings for His sake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 I didn't mean to imply that you shouldn't, my apologies if it comes across the wrong way.It didn't come across that way. I didn't really take it any "way," because I wasn't quite sure how you meant it. But I have been strongly criticized by friends and even family members for observing Lent in the past. Among this and a number of other...ahem...discussions that happened around this same time last year, a previously strong friendship actually dissolved outright, which is unfortunate.I would also echo that Lenten observances done just out of habit, cultural tradition, or for some other motive (weight loss comes to mind) is not what the Catholic Church teaches. We are to more fully imitate Jesus Christ, and as He offered Himself for our sakes, we can also offer up our sufferings for His sake.Weight loss certainly is a benefit that I hope will come from this year's Lent for me. However, my primary motivation is to be both healthier and more respectful. God gave me a body, and He told me that it's a temple. I should probably start treating it better. So I guess my suffering will be not sitting around as much every day anymore. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john doe Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 I lent my lawn rake to my neighbor and he didn't bring it back for like 6 weeks. So I guess you could say I gave up my rake for lent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefche Posted March 6, 2014 Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 That is hilarious Wingy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnut Posted March 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2014 My aunt posted it on my Facebook. She's not religious, and doesn't know I'm doing Lent this year. She just loves to Rick-roll me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.