I Gave It Up For Lent, But Now...

[purple_rat]

Hi,

I understand the reasonings behind giving up something for Lent. One of the things I gave up was carbonated beverages, which was really hard, but now it isn't. Is giving it up still valid? I mean, it's not hard to avoid anymore, so I'm not going to go back, but does it still mean anything if I don't have to try to give it up anymore? Make sense?

Thanks for your time.

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
4/3 - Fifth Saturday of Lent

purple_rat,

Yeah, it still "counts," so don't worry. Don't worry about inventing something for six more days of Lent. Two things:

1.) The fact that it was really hard to give up but now is no longer so indicates that God wanted you to give it up for Lent. This can't be a hard and fast rule (i.e. in cases of giving up sin, from which we should always fast, but also in cases of life's necessities), but is usually pretty good. It's always cool to give up what the Lord wants us to give up.

2.) Also, this could serve as a good spring board for future fasts. We should always be looking for little ways to give up stuff to the Lord, not just during Lent. Ask Him what He wants you to give up and do it; it may be as simple as not wearing slippers in the morning or as grand as taking cold showers for a week - it's a matter to be discerned between you and the Lord. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono