A Deeper Need

When I was growing up, I don’t remember our church celebrating the season of Lent. But I did go to a Catholic school for two years. And I had friends who gave up chewing gum, chocolate, or Cokes. Our teachers certainly encouraged us to give something up. 

I remember one of my closest friends gave up video games one time, and it totally affected me negatively. He was the only kid on our block who had an Atari console. So because he was fasting, I had to fast too! 

Although I did not understand this as a kid, the idea of fasting during Lent is meant to raise our awareness of our ultimate dependence on God.  As Jesus said, “One does not live by bread alone…”

So to get at that, some people fast for one meal a week, or for an entire day a week. Other folks will fast from certain technologies or habits. I’ve had people say that they fast from reading the news, or fast from cable network news during Lent. Could you imagine maybe giving up your cell phone or computer use for one day a week? 

Other people actually add something – additional giving to the church or charity, or maybe an extra time of daily prayer, or study, or worship. 

Whatever it is, the intent of these practices is that we would draw closer to the source of life. And that we would remember our dependence on Christ. Indeed, one does not live by bread alone…or cell phones, or money, or cable news… We have a deeper need.

What might it mean for us, this Lent, to pay attention to what we rely on most?  What habits, comforts, or distractions quietly shape our days—and what might happen if we loosened our grip on them, even briefly?  And if we dare to trust that we do not live by bread alone, what new life might God be ready to bring forth in us?

As we fast or give, step back or lean in, may these practices prepare the ground of our lives—our hearts, our work, our relationships—for God’s renewing work.

Let us pray: Faithful and sustaining God,  you know our hungers, both spoken and hidden. In this season of Lent, teach us to notice what we cling to and what we truly need. As we fast and as we give, as we let go and as we draw near, prepare the soil of our lives for your grace. Make us mindful of our dependence on you, and open us to the life you long to give. Lead us toward renewal, shape us by your mercy, and ready us for the joy of resurrection, through Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Amen.