Lent As A Way to See God Differently

There's no getting around it; Lent is often associated with self-denial and sacrifice. For many Christians, it is a time when we are challenged to "give up" things to fulfill some kind of obligation to God. 

One of those time-honored practices is not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, which many of my Catholic friends either participated in when they were young or still do because it is part of the tradition. 

In some parts of the country, you can find a fish fry on Fridays during Lent at churches, community organizations, and even restaurants dedicated to helping folks who are observing meatless Fridays as part of their Lenten observance.  

I think there is a lot of good that can come from these kinds of observances, and it definitely helps to build community when people gather together to fry up some fish to eat together.  

But there's so much more to Lent than giving up things, as I have alluded to throughout the last several Devos.  In fact, one of the many things that Lent can help us do is to see God differently.  

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams sums it up like this:  

"The self-denial involved in the period of Lent isn’t about just giving up chocolates or beer; it’s about trying to give up a certain set of pictures of God which are burned into our own selfish wants." 

Williams' statement challenges us to reconsider how our preconceived notions and desires shape our understanding of God.

Many of us carry images of God stemming from our experiences, cultural contexts, or societal influences. These images can often be distorted, reflecting not the true nature of God but rather our own selfish aspirations or fears. 

For instance, we may see God as a strict judge, ready to condemn us for our failings, or as a cosmic vending machine to satisfy our every wish and want. These misconceptions can lead us away from the true essence of God—who is love, mercy, and grace.

In Scripture, we find a clear invitation to reframe our understanding of the Divine. 

In Isaiah 55:8-9, we read:  

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." 

This passage encourages us to let go of our limited perceptions of God and seek a deeper, more enriching understanding of who God is. 

Lent presents us with an opportunity to engage in this transformative journey. By relinquishing our narrow views and opening ourselves to God’s expansive love, we can see Him as He truly is—not bound by our definitions or desires but inviting us to a richer relationship grounded in truth. 

This season is a time to examine and identify those images of God that may hinder our growth and healing.

As you navigate this Lenten journey, I encourage you to spend intentional time praying, meditating, and studying Scripture. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in redefining your understanding of God. 

Embrace the challenge of seeing God in new and perhaps uncomfortable ways. Engage with community, discuss these themes with others, and watch how a fresh perspective can lead to deeper faith and connection.

May this Lent be a season of profound transformation, helping us to shed our misguided images of God and embrace the expansive truth of His love. Let us be open to seeing God in a new light as we grow deeper in faith and understanding.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.