And what are you doing for Lent?
Ashley Braun on Gristmill suggests putting our faith into action and reconciling not only with God but with our tendency to harbor "green guilt." (This is, of course, supposing that you DO harbor any guilt for not replacing all your incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs or for tossing that soda can into the garbage a few weeks back). What can we do in this Lenten season? Why, how about rather than giving up chocolate--I mean, really, who wants to deal with chocolate-deprived individuals--or abstaining from alcohol, for no real purpose other than to cloak ourselves with self-deprivation, how about instead we give up something that can help to promote justice in the world?
For instance, rather than giving up on chocolate (which has quite a few valuable antioxidants) why not, for these 40 days of Lent, only eat chocolate that is sold with a fair-trade label? You probably won't be able to indulge, but when you do, you'll know that the cocoa you purchase will go toward helping someone climb out from poverty, rather than continuing to perpetuate a system of economic injustice. Coffee drinker? If you're not already only drinking fair trade after hearing one of my many impassioned pleas, make that your Lenten vow.
Fair trade not your issue? If you want to reduce carbon emissions, designate one day of the week "car free". If you're concerned about the long-term effects of industrial agriculture on our soils, be like the Catholics and go meat-free one (or two or three!) days per week. If you want to change the bigger picture, decide to volunteer once a week for a political campaign (what are you "giving up"? Free time).
The point is that the season of Lent is meant to be one of self-reflection and self-denial...but it's meant even more to be one of justice and reconciliation. Rather than simply try to give up something just to say that you can, take these forty days to work towards the bigger picture of justice.
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Now playing: Nightmare Of You - Dear Scene, I Wish I Were Deaf
via FoxyTunes
Friday, February 08, 2008
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1 comment:
I know someone who is giving up talking during Lent. Talking you ask? He is giving up unnecessary comments and negativity for Lent, because as of late he feels that he has been too negative and judgemental.
We were simple we gave up candy. The kiddos were intrigued with the idea of giving up something during Lent and the reason for giving something up.
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