Lent and the Meaning Behind Self-denial

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Funny how we find it heroic and admirable when one disciplines his body in order to be a good athlete or a good soldier and yet we find it absurd when we’re told that we have to discipline our body in order to be a good Christian. 

Funny how we find it right and just that a person pay for his offenses and yet we find it crazy when we’re told we have to atone for our offenses against God.

Funny how we find it romantic and poetic when a human lover suffers with and for the sake of his Beloved and yet we find it stupid when we’re told that we have to suffer with Christ. [1]

Suffering is present in all three cases mentioned above; but suffering is not what is sought, but dominion, atonement, union. 

Dominion over our passions, atonement for our sins and union with Christ: these are some reasons why the Church prescribes sacrifice and self-denial, most especially during the seasons of Lent and Advent. 


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NOTES
Death of Turin Turambar
from aryundomiel.deviantart.com. 


[1] The tragic but “romantic” death of Romeo and Juliet illustrate this, as well as Nienor and Turin’s death in The Children of Hurin of J.R.R. Tolkien. This is also illustrated in a 2006 Japanese film entitled Love and Honor. In the film, a samurai was left without honor after becoming blind. He sank into despair and wanted to kill himself. He demanded from his wife: “Bring me my sword!” to which the wife replied: “Die if you must, but by the same sword I shall take my own life.”

[2] While attending Mass on Ash Wednesday is not required (it’s not a Holy Day of obligation), it is highly recommended.

[3] Click to read the guidelines and principles on the practice of fasting and abstinence during Lent.

[4] Click to read an article on the Whys of confession

[5] Click to see a video on How to go to confession

[6] Click to download a printed guide on How to go to confession

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Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 8, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Hi! This was shared by Cecil Lim during our office community prayers this morning. I thought it was good and a very worthy theme to adopt for one's personal journey and reflection this Lenten season. I am sharing this on my blog. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. newindMarch 8, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Thanks for the comment and for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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