Fasting is an ancient, well known, trusted and used practice that good and helpful, and spiritually enriching. What do we do though, when we feel like the pressures and weights in our lives are building up and lead us to question if we have more to give up at the moment, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Sometimes those feelings can get in the way of seeing fasting as good, or contemplating sacrifice at all. So another angle, another approach is to look at taking something on, instead of giving something up.
With so much happening in the world and in our lives – tragedies like the shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, the ongoing conflicts and tensions within and between countries and groups around the world, the ever increasing pressure on the environment and experiencing climate change, and then the more personal things closer to us like illness, and the state of family, friends, relationships – it can all feel like too much, all the time, and it becomes easier to shrink back, to look in, and shy away from all of that pain and hurt and heartache.
The approach of taking something on, invites us to consider for Lent things that feed our minds and souls, that build us up, which allows us to then better build others up. I am suggesting taking on the disciplines of love, kindness, compassion, caring, and patience. It can of course also be interpreted as giving something up; giving up anger, judgementalism, selfishness, and impatience – those things that divide, and tear down.
Tensions are high everywhere. There is enough tragedy, and pain and suffering in the world. It is overwhelming. As comforting as Scripture is and can be in the face of that, as Preston noted a few weeks ago, it can also feel like what we read in Scripture sets these impossible goals that are not humanly attainable, that only Jesus could achieve. So I share with you, words that a nun once shared with me – wise words that in the face of overwhelming need and expectation, and perhaps with a sense of hopelessness creeping in – in answer to the questions what can we do in the face of all that that? She said we love people, and care for people – one, person at a time. In fact this is what Jesus did. Loving and caring for people, one at a time. This love and care is of God, and it is ultimately what changes hearts and minds, and ultimately changes the world. We start with out own hearts and minds and souls, and then we share those gifts with others, and allow them the same opportunity – to take in that love and accept that care, and be changed.
When you feel frustrated, angry, anxious, afraid, uncomfortable, uncertain, shocked, give yourself a moment – remember to breathe. Take that moment, to choose something different. Take that moment to repent, which simply means to turn back to God, and to turn back to God’s love. Take that moment, that breath, to choose to turn to God, and to choose love – kindness, compassion, caring, patience – with and for yourself, and to be able to offer that to others.
Maybe It sounds easier than it is, but it is not giving something up, it is taking something on, that will fill your heart and mind and soul and build you up, so that it can be shared and build up others.
This is the fast that God desires. This is the treasure that gets stored up. It builds life, and improves it for you, for me, and for all. Amen.
The Rev. Scott McLeod
Angus Sinclair was appointed Director of Music of St. John the Evangelist on February 1, 2023. Having graduated in 1981 (Honours B.Mus.) in organ performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, he went on to distinguish himself as a church musician, recitalist and accompanist touring in both Canada and the UK. For over 40 years Angus has served parishes and congregations throughout Southwestern Ontario as director of music. He experiences his present appointment to St. John’s as a welcome homecoming, both spiritually and musically.
As our parish musician, he provides both support and leadership so that a variety of parish programs can find musical expression and attract participation. When our handbell choir is in season, he is one of our ringers. At parish dinners, he provides popular piano music for the guests to dine by. For both worship services and concerts, he will rehearse and accompany vocal and instrumental soloists from our congregation on piano, organ, or even accordion.
Angus Sinclair was appointed Director of Music of St. John the Evangelist on February 1, 2023. Having graduated in 1981 (Honours B.Mus.) in organ performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, he went on to distinguish himself as a church musician, recitalist and accompanist touring in both Canada and the UK. For over 40 years Angus has served parishes and congregations throughout Southwestern Ontario as director of music. He experiences his present appointment to St. John’s as a welcome homecoming, both spiritually and musically.