IN THEORY:

Some folks like to give something up for Lent; others advise charitable acts. What would you like to advise your flock to do for Lent?

Give up watching TV one evening, and visit a lonely or sick person instead.

Give up looking at other people’s worst points and concentrate on their strengths and positive attributes.

Give up your worries, and trust God with your problems and frustrations.

Give up dislike of anyone, and learn to love better and more instead.

Give up fears that prevent you from sharing what you believe most deeply and have courage to show your faith to others by how you live.

Give up spending so much time reading nonsense, and use some of that time reading scripture and spiritual resources.

Give up grumbling, and learn to give thanks in everything.

Give up wasting 10 to 15 minutes every day, and use that time in prayer, as you learn to live praying always.

Give up buying anything but essentials for yourself, and give that money to someone in need or do another of God’s works.

Give up judging by appearance and by worldly standards, and give yourself to God.

The Very Rev’d Canon Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

I recently suggested to our parishioners something that could be described as radical: that people consider turning off their televisions during Lent. I haven’t received much feedback, which means they are still praying about this option or dismissed it all together. I must admit I hadn’t considered that March Madness falls during Lent.

I suggested turning off the television because it was something that worked for me years ago when I was considering the possibility of entering the seminary. In short, the extra time I gained allowed me to pray and discern what God’s will was for me. My life became less busy, and the Lord was able to speak to me in the quiet of my heart.

At the same time, we must remember that everyone is different and can enter into the Lenten season in their own way. One person suggested fasting from complaining. Others will take less food, giving that money to charitable causes. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the pillars of Lent, and each person must decide on his or her own how to best carry out the penitential season that prepares us for Easter Sunday.

Father Stephen Doktorczyk

St. Joachim Church

Costa Mesa

Lent is often thought of as a time of sacrifice — a time when we “do without” so we can finally “do again” when Easter comes.

I prefer not to think about Lent as a time of sacrifice but consider it instead an opportunity to examine ourselves and our relationship with God. If we “give up” something, we should pick things that are unhealthy physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

However, sometimes we take on things, such as physical or even spiritual exercises. Lent should be a time when we consider our spiritual growth in relationship with God and ourselves. I believe Lent is more about being aware and intentional than it is about forcing ourselves to be uncomfortable.

If we decide not to eat meat, it should offer us an opportunity to reflect upon God each time we opt for fish. If we decide to take a daily walk, it shouldn’t be just to get exercise but to provide an awareness of God in the act of walking. Integral to the “giving up” or “taking on” is the setting of the intention, a focus on God, an awareness of the journey.

As a Christian, I’m ever mindful that the journey takes us to the cross and Lent is a time set aside to prepare us to meet it head on. Year after year we’re asked to make the decision: Will we follow Jesus? Will we make the difficult choices? Will we stand for those in need? Are we willing to be the voice for the voiceless? And will we do it even if it ostracizes you?

Lent prepares us to face the cross, girded with the strength and courage of God, to stare it down and stand with Jesus on the side of justice, peace, hope and love.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church