Lent is 40 days to reflect on the Father’s love for us. In recognition of Jesus sacrificing His life, some people sacrifice by fasting from chocolate, or soda, or (fill in the blank.) This year, instead of giving up something temporarily, perhaps it is time to consider taking on habits that bring us closer to Christ.

Of course, taking on better habits often requires giving up habits that separate us from God. If we want to spend more time in God’s Word, perhaps we spend less time watching TV. If we want to spend more time in prayer, perhaps we spend less time with the busyness of life.

          Pope Francis once offered a fresh approach to Lent, one I want us to think about now. I think his list is closer to what Christ has in mind as we seek to live and love like Jesus.

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worry and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

          Each one of these is worthy of its own sermon. I think we get the idea.  And each one of these suggestions are an idea of how to live not just in these 40 days, but for a lifetime. With eleven suggestions, perhaps we take on one a year.

          Lent is a reminder to look within, not in a self-centered way. But in a way that helps us let go of the things that hinder us from loving and serving God. There is work to do. And the primary work is on our relationship with Jesus.

          May it be so in our lives! Amen.