How will you be different after Lent?

Your social media may have already brought the suggestions about fasting from Pope Francis to your attention.  If so, and if not, they remain good suggestions this election year Lenten season, or any season of life, as you journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem.

It has been a long, long time since I fasted with a religious purpose as the motivation.  And when I did I joined my friend for a week of his journey through Ramadan.  It was challenging.  It put me in touch with the hungry in our community and their daily struggle.

For many, physical hunger is not seasonal.  Our youth groups and congregations do their part to raise awareness, to organize, and serve the hungry in their communities. Here is a short list of what I know you are doing: Kid’s Cafe, Regional Food Bank, Enid Welcome Table, Friendship Feast, Community Meals, Food Backpacks for Kids, and Snack-Packs.  No doubt there are many other ways Disciples in Oklahoma serve the hungry.  But, it is hard to fast from the systems that create the need for charity.  Maybe lent is about changing the systems of the world by changing ourselves.

Do you expect that you will be different after Lent this year?