In just three sentences, Jesus gives us the formula for a well-spent Lent, and, to take it a step further beyond these six weeks, into life itself. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? (Lk 9:23-25).
Self-denial, suffering, and following Jesus. These are the effective three which help us "lose life" in order to "save it." Most often, LIFE forces us into self-denial: a medical report of "high sugar" forces us to cut out sweets; arthritis, to limit or eliminate the daily, pleasurable jog. An accident, and illness, even an occasional headache put us in the suffering bracket, as do disappointment. aging, sleep deprivation, or a natural disaster. Turning from today's idols of immediate gratification and contemporary "comfort" and hedonism of all sorts...from drugs to the attitude that "anything goes", no rules of morality apply, we put following Jesus as our top priority and actually choose to perform little acts of self-denial and accept with an open heart, our daily sufferings.. Three approaches that can begin during Lent, but must continue beyond it for a fruitful Christian life.
Bro. Rene
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