“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2: 26)

In the Christian tradition, Lent marks the forty days and forty nights that Jesus retreated into the desert for a period of prayer and fasting.  Christians are called to make this time holy through their own reflection and sacrifice.  Traditionally one might give up something – like chocolate, sweets or alcohol – as a sign of solidarity with Jesus.

One of the great things about Lent is that it provides a defined time period in which to commit to a specific change.  It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself in areas where you could use a little personal and spiritual growth.  And thank God there’s an end date!  Because trying to make a change that your brain hears as lasting forever is a real buzzkill.

I know that doesn’t sound like the deepest spiritual reflection but stay with me here.  Let me share with you my thought process that led me to my commitment for Lent:  ”Body + Spirit = Service.”

Lent is a time to be penitential, and so typically we think of our Lenten practices as individual things we can do to grow closer to God.  Rather than thinking of something to give up, I like to think of something I can do.  After hearing the words from James written above, I focused in on the importance of taking care of both body and spirit.  I know that when I consistently do this, I feel more alive, more at peace with myself and connected with God.

So this Lent I’m committing each day to do one thing for my body and one thing for my spirit.  For my body, this may mean exercise or taking a walk.  For my spirit, it may mean fifteen minutes in prayer, reading and/or meditation.   It is less important which specific thing I am doing, and more important that I am consistently doing it.

I then reflected upon the second part of the verse above, that “faith without works is dead.”  That the work is being of service.  How can I, with gratitude, utilize the gift of a healthy body and healthy spirit to be of service each day this Lent?   I came up with the commitment to do one thing extra for another person each day.  This could be expressing an appreciation, saying thank you, or practicing an act of kindness.

Thus, the mantra for my Lenten practice: ”Body + Spirit = Service.”

What will you do this Lent?

In Gratitude & Service,
Michael