Last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we entered the season of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days, not including Sundays, leading up to Easter. There's a Christian tradition that people should give up something they like for Lent - like chocolate, or coffee, or alcohol, or social media - to share in the experience of Jesus who spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his own life of ministry (Mark 1:12). Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34 NLT).

I don't want to stop anyone who finds it helpful to give things up for Lent, but I'll admit that this is not a tradition I have followed. And when I look at some of the things people choose to give up, I've got to wonder, "What real difference does giving these up make?" We might feel virtuous for a while and in some cases there are real health benefits. But I think I'd spend most of the time counting down to the day when I could indulge my vices once again.

I wonder if it wouldn't make a more positive difference to us individually, to our relationships, and to the world, if we made this a time to add new things into our lives rather than giving things up. We could add in putting others first, being kinder to others, or more patient and tolerant, or more generous, or more forgiving, or more peacemaking. Imagine what it would be like if everyone did these things, even if it was for just 40 days. In the end, I think that's what Jesus meant when he called us to "follow him."

Neil Percival
Young District Anglican Ministry