Douglas G. Mack Douglas G. Mack
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Great Fast 2000 (Lent 2000)
"Let us begin this fast in joy ... with the light of charity and the brightness of prayer, so that we might hasten to the third day Resurrection, which sheds its immortal light over all the world" [matins, first day of the Great Fast].
There are many times when I approach the time of the Great Fast with dread, looking at it as a "negative" time, a time of "denying oneself". I forget that this is a time of joyful preparation, a time for leaving behind that which hinders me from a closer relationship with God.
What hinders me from a closer relationship with God? Not loving myself. Being ashamed of who I am. Not rejoicing in the creation of God that I am. Not seeing the good in me, as God sees it.
What hinders me from a closer relationship with God? Basing the relationship on what someone else says is the "only way". Living in the "slavery" of all the "commandments" of an organized church instead of living in the "freedom" of being God's child in God's community of faithful people, filled with God's Spirit.
What hinders me from a closer relationship with God? Trusting in "rules and regulations" instead of trusting in a Loving God.
This year, for the Great Fast, I will rejoice and prepare to celebrate the glorious Easter Feast by loving God, by loving myself, and by loving my neighbor.
