I’ve had an ongoing internal conversation about Lent prompted by a World Vision Video. I wonder what it means to sacrifice. It seems like the word sacrifice implies a painful relinquishment. In Biblical times sacrifice required the death and burning of a spotless animal, which seems barbaric at best. If the “thing” had lived it would have been a source of income and/or pride. “Look at my beautiful ram. Don’t the curve of its horns catch the light in a pleasing way. Look how it follows me and looks to me for its food and protection. Just think I own it. Aren’t I clever?
But now is now. Animal sacrifice smacks of pagan ritual. Rams aren’t all that impressive compared to iPhones and income and Weitsmans and Wazumas. So what would sacrificing entail if it were something I give up and in the process gain? I figured out it is DOUBT. I’m going to take any idea that gets me off the track of hope and refuse to give it credence. Forty (40) days of believing not knowing anything about anything is God’s plan for protecting me from the loop of anxiety and allowing me a stint in the land of hope and contentment.