So thankful for your insights and instruction. I am not Orthodox but I am interested in observing Lent alongside your parish. Is there a link you could share with me that I can use to observe the fast? Thanks!
Thank you, Nadine. Think of Lent as a focused time for spiritual spring cleaning.
The disciplines of the season are tools, not goals. We fast, pray and practice generosity in a focused way during Great Lent to allow the Holy Spirit to uncover ever deeper places where God's grace needs to heal us. The disciplines create the space for knowing myself and humbling myself.
We "exercise" these disciplines during the Great Fast using all that word means. That means we are aware of our abilities and our weaknesses. We don't look at anyone else's "plate" and judge how well they keep the Fast.
We avoid meat and dairy products during this time to remove the center part of our meals to remind us what should be the Center of our lives.
So thankful for your insights and instruction. I am not Orthodox but I am interested in observing Lent alongside your parish. Is there a link you could share with me that I can use to observe the fast? Thanks!
Thank you, Nadine. Think of Lent as a focused time for spiritual spring cleaning.
The disciplines of the season are tools, not goals. We fast, pray and practice generosity in a focused way during Great Lent to allow the Holy Spirit to uncover ever deeper places where God's grace needs to heal us. The disciplines create the space for knowing myself and humbling myself.
We "exercise" these disciplines during the Great Fast using all that word means. That means we are aware of our abilities and our weaknesses. We don't look at anyone else's "plate" and judge how well they keep the Fast.
We avoid meat and dairy products during this time to remove the center part of our meals to remind us what should be the Center of our lives.
Here is an excellent, and short book that may help - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Lent-Journey-Alexander-Schmemann/dp/0913836044
Please do not attempt the entire fast. Choose a day or two each week to begin this exercise. This is so you won't become discouraged by the challenge.
Your servant