Lent is here and without giving it much thought, we’ve probably found something to “give up.” After years of Lent, this is a common attitude. But will our penance be a sweet sacrificial offering to God, or a superficial response given from our surplus and spurious half-hearted piety? What will motivate us to take a giant leap of faith?
First, we need to examine why we go through the religious motions of Lent if our hearts aren’t in it. Do you give up chocolate every year? Do you really eat chocolate every day, making it a worthwhile sacrifice? If you’re doing it because that’s what everyone else gives up, think again.
Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees in Mark 7:6-7. “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.’ Jesus quoted from Isaiah 29:13. Mankind has not changed.
He also offered the following spiritual guidance in Mark 12:38-40: “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” Either these words brought them to their knees in tears or their chins wagged in anger!
Jesus taught the truth, whether people wanted to hear it or not. In Matthew 23:27-28, he reproaches: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.” Hearing these rebukes, the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus.
Sometimes we don’t realize that Jesus, Our Savior, had the option and the ability to be sacrificial or superficial, knowing the outcome of His circumstances. Judas would betray Him with a kiss, handing him over to the soldiers for a few pieces of silver. Peter, the disciple who gave him his upmost loyalty, denied Him. All the other disciples, whom He loved and patiently taught for three years, deserted Him. The people, who were waiting for the Messiah, voiced fraudulent accusations and allowed a murderer to be set free in His stead. He suffered torture and public ridicule, all while knowing that His own precious mother would experience His spiritual pain, sorrow, physical suffering, scorn and loneliness. All this to save his people from their sins! For a moment in time, Jesus would be separated from His own loving and eternal Father. This was the price He would pay if He drank the cup!
As is described in Luke 22: 40-46, Jesus had to decide: “Then going out He went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He arrived at the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not undergo the test.’ After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, He prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from Me; still, not my will but Yours be done.’ And to strengthen Him an angel from heaven appeared to Him. He was in such agony and He prayed so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When He rose from prayer and returned to His disciples, He found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.’
Jesus had the choice – the free will – to take it or leave it. We have the same spiritual decision. Use this Lent as an opportunity to become closer to Our Lord and cultivate a more intimate relationship that grows with each passing day.
Bobby Speers is a writer who lives in Hickory and serves as chairperson of St. Aloysius Church’s evangelization commission.