What is Sacrifice?

I have been a Protestant all of my life, and probably not a very well informed one at that. I grew up in the Baptist church and it was all about the "shall nots" rather than about the real meaning of the teachings of Jesus. Either that, or I wasn't paying very close attention. Consequently, I find myself learning things that I should have learned much earlier in my Christian life. And of course a natural part of learning is study and questioning. So with apologies to my Catholic friends and those Protestants that WERE paying attention I would like to say a few things about Lent and what I plan to do.

In the past it was primarily the Catholics that really observed the custom of "giving up something for Lent". Apparently all of those hours with the nuns were beneficial because they got it. However, in the past few years it seems that we Protestants are observing more of the traditions of the Catholic church and this is one of them. Back in the day you could tell the Catholics on Ash Wednesday pretty easily but now many of the Protestant churches follow this ritual as well. This is not a criticism, just an observation. I personally ascribe it to the Catholics but, hey, if it helps you to connect with your spirituality then go for it.

So I did a little reading up on it this year because I plan to observe the Lenten season. I have half-heartedly given up something in past years but it never lasted the entire season. My understanding is that we should sacrifice something important to us to help us understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I don't know about you but anything I give up for this 40 days would pale in comparison to 40 days in the wilderness being tempted 3 times by the devil. And that was just the beginning as we all know. From what I understand the sacrifices fall under two categories, vices and virtues. Fortunately I don't have a lot of vices. I don't smoke, drink excessively, or chase the wild women so that leaves me with the most obvious vice : JUNK FOOD! I love hamburgers, hot dogs, anything fried, anything greasy! I spend way too much money on it but it taste so good! But as I look at my 300+ pound body I know that this is a most obvious form of gluttony and that is a sin. For those that follow my other blog you know how I struggle with my weight.

The other side of the sacrifice equation is the virtues. This is doing something to improve yourself or the world around you. Obviously eating better would improve my health. Other ideas are cutting out diet sodas, exercising more, studying the Bible. For the world volunteer more, help out in the community, practice random acts of kindness. I am pretty active in community service, especially with the elderly. My years of working in nursing homes really formed a connection that will last a lifetime! Another focus has been on the food pantries in Lockhart and Luling. We try to support both of them as much as possible.

So here is my plan. Beginning today, February 22nd, I will make the following sacrifices. I will give up fast food, including my beloved diet sodas, for the Lenten season. This means no McDonald's, Taco Bell, Whataburger, Subway, etc. If I want a sandwich I'll make it at home. This is going to be tough but that is just part one of the plan. Part two is doing something good for the community as a result of giving up my vice. I am going to estimate what I would have spent on the fast food items and, at the end of Lent, make a donation of that money to the Lockhart and Luling food banks. This will be in addition to our normal donations to them. I will probably "feed the kitty" each day then total it up at the end. It will not change the world but it may help to make sure some kid has something for supper in April. If you are hungry that is life changing!

Again, with apologies to my Catholic friends, be patient with this old Protestant. It is exciting to learn and, more importantly, to understand the wonderful teachings of Christ and what it means to be a Christian. I stumble and fall on a daily basis but I continue to get up and try to do better the next day. I really plan to use this season for further study and spiritual growth and wish for each of you a great Easter season!