Christians all over the world observe 40 days of penance, fasting and prayer during this season of Lent .The Ash Wednesday which starts this year on 6th February 2008 . We notice that fasting and alms-giving as part of our religious tradition in India. People of all walks of life observe it during the year at different intervals. However, Christians particularly observe these practices during this season called Lent.

During this Lenten season we are invited to re-turn, to re-new, to re-enter to explore our relationship with god and with one another. Physically we are in a state of change: growth and development or deterioration and decay. Spiritual change, however, occurs within the confines of the intimacy of our relationship with god and with one another. It is the dynamics of the relationship that nurtures our spiritual maturity and wellbeing.
Lent is not a season of decision making perse. It is not about prayer, fasting and alms giving for the sake of prayer, fasting and alms giving. It is about our response to Jesus as our lives unfold in light of his life. My Lenten response will be unique to my relationship.

Maybe we are invited to spend additional time in prayer - and maybe that prayer for us is singing, writing, gardening, fishing, woodworking, reading scripture or being in silence. Prayer is that which raises my awareness of the presence of God in which we give glory and gratitude.

Possibly we are called to fasting - fasting from luxurious dinner parties, gossip, cell phones, or spending too much time in front of TV.  We are invited to alms giving - generously giving to the needy or my time to the poor, homeless, the stranger, socially needy or to my spouse, family, friends, neighbours, grandchildren. Lent is not the time for keeping long faces or hypocritical manifestations of saintliness. It is much easier to give up some bad habits or even to forgo a meal but it is difficult to change our attitudes and certain way of life.

That is why god tells us, 'rend your hearts and not garments' (Joel 2: 13). It is a time of sincere relationship building, possibly a time of remorse and change of heart. It is not something what should I give up for Lent rather what we can do extra during this holy season of Lent. God lents us this holy season of 40 days.Let use it fruitfully and usefully.