For centuries and centuries, people have observed Lent with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. That second one, fasting, is where the idea of giving up chocolate came from. But Scripture gives us other, more meaningful ways to fast.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Now that is a fast.
Your generous giving to the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy through Women of the ELCA is one effective way to help let the oppressed go free, to help share our bread with the hungry. AMMPARO seeks to accompany and protect migrant minors–children!–as they seek the safe refuge they cannot find at home. We can also pray for them. That’s one way to observe a holy Lent.
This message is excerpted from “Meaningful ways to observe holy Lent” by Audrey Novak Riley from the February 28, 2020, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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