A time to reflect, release, renew
Reflect, release, renew. Lent this year begins on Wednesday, March 6, for 46 days ending on Holy Saturday, April 19. Easter Sunday is April 20. There are six Sundays in Lent which are not counted as part of Lent, because in the Western Church, Sunday is considered a feast day. I was raised Catholic and as a young, church going girl, I remember getting so excited about Sundays in Lent because they were considered “free” days. As a young Catholic, we gave up food items we loved (think chocolate) as part of our fasting. On Sunday “free” days, we could eat all we wanted.
In retrospect, I knew nothing then, in the 1960’s, of the spiritual practices that really are the greatest benefit when participating in this Holy Season of Lent – practices such as fasting, feasting, reflecting, releasing, renewing, letting go and letting God. Back then we were taught it was about sacrificing.
What a stupendous wonder it was for me in 1989 when I became a Unity Truth Student and learned about all the personal growth aspects of the spiritual practices of Lent. Personal growth shows up as fasting from negative thoughts, feasting on self-care, releasing self-criticism, renewing my commitment to prayer time, letting go holding a grudge, and letting God be God in, through and as me.
Regardless of our religious or spiritual beliefs, making time for reflection and taking action can be a wonderful experience in self-acceptance and self-improvement. In Unity, during Lent, we commit to giving up judgmental, negative, critical, fearful and lack thoughts. Unity encourages everyone to fast from thoughts that no longer serve our highest and best as beloved children of God, thoughts that are less than loving and are ego-driven rather than Spirit-led. The Talmud tell us, “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘Grow, grow.’” So, we, too, are also encouraged to commit to honest self-inquiry, self-discipline and self-accountability during this Holy season of Lent which ensures a right-thinking perception of all situations and interactions around us.
Each time we pause and embrace the present moment as an opportunity to grow, we help ourselves eliminate ego-filled reactions and projections. These honest self-processes and elimination practices allow us to engage the Divine-Mind of God within us, expressing as us. You know my favorite question is, “Are you willing?” Will you embrace your Divinity and acknowledge your wholeness? Ask yourself: What is mine to fast from so that I may feast on the love of God within me? What is mine to release so I may renew my Christ-like commitment to self-growth? What is mine to let go of so that I can let God during Lent 2025?
I invite us all to practice and participate in the spiritual aspects of Lent. Many Blessings.
Rev. Therese Donlan Lee is the senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center on Hilton Head Island. revthereseunityhiltonhead@gmail.com
