Yuya Tamai / CC
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – What are you giving up for Lent?
Over the years, I’ve heard many answers. Chocolate, sugar, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol. We’re told that giving up something – even something small – is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us.
And, you know what? God doesn’t care.
In Isiah, Chapter 1, we are told: “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.” God wants changed hearts, not grumpy people who are trudging through their days without their Starbucks lattes.
Pope Francis said “What do I care if you eat fish on Friday?” Eat meat if you wish, if you are willing to change yourself. Are you willing to help the homeless? Are you willing to reach out to troubled children? Will you give some of your treasure and time to causes that you care about? Will you commit to being a kinder person? Do those things, and God won’t care what you eat.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus did not stand on ceremony. He dined with tax collectors and low women. He healed on the Sabbath. He railed against the Pharisees, the people who were supposed to be the upholders of Jewish law. Jesus lived as if none of that mattered.
Try this. Instead of giving up M & Ms for the next four weeks, how about committing to one act of kindness each day. Drive an elderly neighbor to the store. Ask a single mother if you can help with her kids. Buy something extra at the grocery store and give it away. Make a call to someone who is struggling and ask how they’re doing. I think you’ll find that those sacrifices of time and effort are also small things. They are easy to do once you get into the habit of doing them. They mean more to God than giving up something superficial for Lent.
I’ve talked for months about the Gospel TLC, a transitional living program for men who are fighting against addiction and might otherwise be homeless. They need monthly cash donors. No amount is too large or too small. If you’d like to give, I have a link here.
The men of the Gospel TLC also need day-to-day items: body wash, birthday candles, white indoor trash bags, and alcohol wipes. Those items can be dropped off at the Gospel TLC’s building in Weston, near the hospital, at Cross Point Boulevard.
Chris Conley
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