The Half-Time of Lent

I can't believe that tomorrow is already the Sunday of the Cross. This is the half-way point in our Orthodox Lenten journey and I cannot believe that our family (minus the two youngest) has made it twenty days now without any beef, pork or chicken! This is HUGE for us and clearly only because of God's grace and strength. Without that we would never have had the strength to do this on our own. A full Orthodox Lent fast would mean absolutely no animal products (except for shellfish) so we are far from the ultimate goal in our fasting practice, but we are grateful for the small steps we have been able to take. 

Fasting is a wonderful tool that The Church gives us to help quell the passions, strengthen our self-discipline and spend more time focused on Jesus Christ. It is NOT easy for me (or my family) but I am grateful to have my church family to walk and struggle with on this journey to Pascha. 

I was listening to something recently that compared the Sunday of the Cross to a locker room at half-time and although I am not at all into sports, I found the analogy and lesson in it, wonderful. Its a time when we evaluate how we are doing with our Lenten goals, where we can improve and do better. Its also a time to be refreshed and encouraged that we can do this. We can finish well!

And so, I am contemplating a lot on this eve of the half-way point. Am I doing well in being disciplined with my fasting? How about my prayer life? Has it increased during this time? Am I giving more of my time and resources? 

Lots of self-reflection and I am realizing just how much I need to work on and improve. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. 

May your Lenten journey continue to be a blessed one!

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