Troubling Times Provide a Real Lenten Season
By Alan Eddington
While I have been hearing and reading various opinions regarding whether or not our national financial situation should be a matter addressed by organized religion and church leaders, I would submit that this topic could be richly rewarding for individual spiritual direction and meditation, as well as family and small group discussion.
For me, a meaningful and vibrant faith life must include the dynamic interplay between my life and the societal conditions in which I live. One of the societal conditions affecting my life is the economy of my community, my country and my world. So when this economy takes a significant down-turn, as it recently has, how do I deal with this reality in my faith life?
One of the centuries-old ‘spiritual practices’ of Christianity is the observance of a time of Lent. Traditionally, this is a 40-day period of fasting and withdrawal, modeled upon Jesus’ time of fasting and prayer in the desert, and occurs during the six weeks leading up to the Celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. The Christian Lenten observances in many instances, however, are what I would call ‘trial runs’ or ‘drills.’ It is an artificial time, a time when we try to impose upon ourselves, to greater or lesser success, what it is like to endure a period of denial and hardship, and how this impacts our spiritual foundation. I would submit that for people of faith, we now have a real time in our lives to grapple with denial and hardship. This will also be a time without the artificial boundary of 40 days, but rather, will last for a season, which is the true meaning of the Scriptural references of “40,” be it called to the mountain top for 40 days, or wandering in the desert for 40 years, or withdrawing into the desert for 40 days. For as long as this financial condition exists, that will be how long our ‘Lent” will last.
In these Scriptural Lenten seasons, what happens to the individual(s), and what is the result upon their lives? Two predominant factors seem to be present at the outset: a) God, Yahweh, the Father beckons them, and b) there is significant lack of clarity and understanding, ‘blindness’ if you will, around what is happening and what is to happen. It is after one has ‘drawn apart’ to grapple with the confusion and blindness within a setting of faith and constant prayer, that there emerges purpose and direction and peace-full confidence, that is to say, an authentic metanoia.
I would apply this spiritual tradition to our current economic situation. Perhaps the loudest collective clarion call resounding at the moment is, “Who can we blame?!” “It’s those greedy Wall Street tycoons!” “It’s those tax-and-spend liberal Democrats!” “It’s those laissez-faire, trickle-down economics Republicans!” But just how far beyond our own selves should we push this question of, “Who’s to blame?” This is the question that I would take with me into the desert, to grapple with vis-à-vis my faith principles, and to critically examine just how much of the ‘blame’ resides within my own life-style.
Just how tempting is that “apple” of a new home beyond our reasonable means? How tempting is that over-accessorized, gas-guzzling vehicle? How much will-power and self-control is there, when browsing the latest electronic gadgets at Best Buy? To what extent are the ‘good steward’ principles being practiced, when it comes to time, talent and treasure? Is financially responsible behavior, or extravagant spending, receiving the accolades of peers, and thus driving my fiscal decision-making?
Having taken stock of my own financial attitude and behavior, I have to ask, “What needs to happen in the living of my life that will be a truer reflection of my spiritual principles?” This is where I need to pray intently and intensely without ceasing, for guidance and clarity, and for the fortitude and resolve to act upon the answers to my prayer.
I do believe that we are being presented with a real opportunity to withdraw for a season of fasting and prayer. I do believe that this is a real opportunity for growth and insight. I do believe that this is a real opportunity for churches and church leaders to be credibly relevant!
© The Barrick Report, 2008.
Alan Eddington is a retired parish priest. He writes from his home in southern Illinois.
My wonderful wife said we have been through such a period in our lives, a time when I was not functioning at my highest (it it possible for me to function any lower?) We survived and we have grown closer. We don't require a lot to live and we don't have a lot of wants. Maybe a path to a simpler life will help us get through tough times as a country. I think we are about to find out!
I am guilty, however of wanting more TarHeel basketball victories and another National Championship. Go Heels!
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