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Bible Study Focus at St. Peter Church-San Dimas

Preparing for Lent - Physically & Spiritually

As we approach the Great Lent which is the 3rd Cycle in the Church Calendar, it is known as The Cycle of Forgiveness. It is a time of abstinence, refraining oneself from indulging in things. One may relate it to not eating meat or having dairy. However, preparing for Lent is one of the most important journeys, it is a time to self evaluate ourselves in our calling as a Christian. We are to listen to the Voice of the Gospels and take heed the Commandments of our Lord. If we really partake in Lent (both physically and spiritually) it purifies our mind and heart.

In Matthew 6:16 Jesus taught us How to fast. One must enter Lent with devotion and love, not be a hypocrite - meaning you are fasting and then, for example, gossiping, lying, using foul language, or drinking excessively.

In the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy 8:3, it says "Man does not live by bread alone.." God is telling us that physical nourishment is not enough for a healthy lifestyle, that we also have spiritual needs. It is through fasting that one learns to depend on God more fully. God enforced fasting when He commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from The Tree of Knowledge. When Adam disobeyed it was the work of Satan, and they were sent away from the Garden of Eden. One must listen to the voice of Lord, and Lent can be very powerful especially when you also Pray unceasingly.

In the New Testament Jesus set the Law when He fasted 40 days and nights. This is written in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. The Lord was not in need of fasting but He fasted to set us an example. He imposed fasting on us to show us its powerful spiritual impact (especially when coupled with Prayer). In the Syriac Church, the first Saturday of Lent is in remembrance of St. Ephraim for his life of repentance. On Sundays we observe some of the Miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ, starting with the Miracle at Cana of Galilee. Mid-Lent (24th day) is in remembrance for King Abgar IX who converted to Christianity in the 2nd Century and ruled Edessa which was the center of Syriac language and literature.

Let us all enter The Great Lent with a purified heart and mind

Patricia Allaf