Liturgy Lesson for the Second Sunday in Lent: Fast and Feast

February 17, 2008

Frequently, when Christians think about Lent, they consider what they are fasting—giving up—for the season, without realizing every Sunday is a “little Easter” — a “feast day” when Lenten discipline may relent, if done so in honor of the Resurrection. Also interesting–every Sunday is also a “little Lent,” since many among us practice the ancient custom of fasting the communion—that is, not eating until after we take the Body and Blood, and approaching our worship in an attitude of examen—Holy Spirit-powered self-examination before confession. In this way, every Sunday spent in the Lord’s courts are Lent and Easter combined—and model the season to us. We approach the Lord’s Presence by first confessing our shortcomings and hearing His forgiveness proclaimed, then break our fast in celebration of Christ’s mighty Resurrection that grants us access to the King, our Heavenly Father. We might also, instead of giving something up, add worship to our weekly routine—disciplining ourselves by “fasting” some free time to the Lord in services we usually don’t attend, such as choral Evensong on Wednesday nights. Scrub us, Lord—and teach us where we need most to tune our relationship with You!

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons