Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
As I begin to write this reflection (Sept 2012), my family and I are in the middle of New Zealand’s attempt to “live below the line”. Living on $2.25 for food per day isn't really fasting in the rigorist Lenten traditions of some of our Christian ancestors, but like them, our family’s “fast” serves to focus attention on important things that can get over looked in everyday living. Our ‘normal’ can leave us spiritually hungry, yet what we consume fails to satisfy (Isa 55.2). Or, like the Psalmist, we know only too well how much our souls thirst for God (63.1). “There must be something more to life than this” is a common complaint, even (or especially?) in relatively affluent societies like New Zealand. What can be done to overcome such a deep spiritual hunger among us?
The Lenten tradition connects fasting with repentance. “Repent or perish” are Jesus’ stark words to those who were questioning him about an atrocity carried out by Pilate’s soldiers on Galilean worshippers (presumably) in Jerusalem (Luke 13.1, 5). He follows this with a parable of a fig tree, its lack of fruit invites the farmer’s axe. “If you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall” is Paul’s advice to the charismatic Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10.12).
I think of the “ruler” who came to Jesus hungry for eternal life, but who left sad because he wouldn't put Jesus’ words into practice (Luke 18.23). The point of Lent isn't to feel hungry, but to find joy in obedience.
Rev Dr Paul Prestidge
As I begin to write this reflection (Sept 2012), my family and I are in the middle of New Zealand’s attempt to “live below the line”. Living on $2.25 for food per day isn't really fasting in the rigorist Lenten traditions of some of our Christian ancestors, but like them, our family’s “fast” serves to focus attention on important things that can get over looked in everyday living. Our ‘normal’ can leave us spiritually hungry, yet what we consume fails to satisfy (Isa 55.2). Or, like the Psalmist, we know only too well how much our souls thirst for God (63.1). “There must be something more to life than this” is a common complaint, even (or especially?) in relatively affluent societies like New Zealand. What can be done to overcome such a deep spiritual hunger among us?
The Lenten tradition connects fasting with repentance. “Repent or perish” are Jesus’ stark words to those who were questioning him about an atrocity carried out by Pilate’s soldiers on Galilean worshippers (presumably) in Jerusalem (Luke 13.1, 5). He follows this with a parable of a fig tree, its lack of fruit invites the farmer’s axe. “If you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall” is Paul’s advice to the charismatic Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10.12).
I think of the “ruler” who came to Jesus hungry for eternal life, but who left sad because he wouldn't put Jesus’ words into practice (Luke 18.23). The point of Lent isn't to feel hungry, but to find joy in obedience.
Rev Dr Paul Prestidge
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