|
Rambling's From The Rev. |
|
|
Pastor Jim
Johnson Lutherans on Spiritual Disciplines |
|
|
I’ve been asked periodically (usually every Lenten season) why Lutherans don’t make a bigger deal about spiritual disciplines like fasting, praying, tithing, etc., and “giving something up for Lent.” Do we see something wrong with such practices? Jesus fasted for the forty days in the wilderness! Shouldn’t we also embrace spiritual disciplines during these forty days of Lent? One person asked me if Martin Luther had anything to say on the topic. I came across the following quote from Luther regarding the temptation story which we read on the first Sunday of Lent every year:
“This Gospel is read today at the beginning of Lent in order to picture before Christians the example of Christ, that they may rightly observe Lent, which has become mere mockery: first, because no one can follow this example and fast forty days and nights as Christ did without eating any food. Christ rather followed the example of Moses, who fasted also forty days and nights, when He received the law of God on Mount Sinai. Thus Christ also wished to fast when He was about to bring to us, and give expression to, the new law. In the second place, Lent has become mere mockery because our fasting is a perversion and an institution of man. For although Christ did fast forty days, yet there is no word of his that He requires us to do the same and fast as He did. Indeed He did many other things, which He wishes us not to do; but whatever He calls us to do or leave undone, we should see to it that we have his Word to support our actions.”
Martin Luther, The Fast and the Temptation of Christ
In other words, as one friend said to me, “Jesus also walked on water, why are we trying to follow in his steps in that way?” Jesus gave up everything he had, even instructed the rich young man to do the same and give it away to the poor, but I don’t see any of us trying to do this as a spiritual discipline for Lent.
The season of Lent began in the early church as a penitential season for instruction in the Christian faith for new, want-to-be Christians about to be baptized and join the ranks of the saints. For forty days and nights they would “prepare themselves” for their baptism which would then take place on Easter Vigil (the night before the resurrection). As time went on, the practice was embraced by all Christians as a season of renewal and re-commitment. Today, Lent seems to have become a season for self-improvement; going on diets, a token giving up of something addictive like chocolate or caffeine. It begs the question, what is the purpose of a “spiritual” discipline?
The word “spiritual” makes the whole enterprise suspect for Lutheran Christians. How does one become “spiritual?” We believe it is the Spirit’s doing, or work, not ours. We cannot attain “spirituality” by our doing, efforts, or practices, but by grace – by God’s doing and/or giving of the Spirit to us (“it blows where it wills” Jesus says in John 3:8). And we believe that God gives/blows us the Spirit through, what the Church calls, the means of grace: the preaching of the gospel, baptism, communion, confession and absolution, and the mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters in the faith. What we do, and how we live then becomes not an issue of becoming closer to God, more spiritual, or getting us any points toward heaven. So what is the point of how we live? Why does God/Jesus instruct us to pray, to give to the poor, or to live in a certain way? If it not to become spiritual or saved, then of what benefit, and for what purpose is it? It is for the sake of the neighbor; for the betterment of our lives, communities, and world.
Disciplines therefore ought to be encouraged during Lent (all year for that matter). And the disciplines the church ought to encourage are those that promote the betterment of the neighbor, the earth, and the wellbeing of all life. So much of the trite disciplines embraced during Lent today are so self-indulgent, self-centered, or “turned in on the self” (incruvatus insae: the early church father’s definition of sin). How is giving up chocolate really a sacrifice that is going to benefit the neighbor or the earth, to which we have been called to steward? If giving up caffeine is really going to make you a better person that is more capable of serving the neighbor and creation, then power to you! Go for it! But giving alms to the poor, or sacrificing a tithe (10%) of one’s income, as traditional Christian disciplines were promoted, seem to be a more authentic Lenten discipline.
Finally, why Lutherans have not promoted Lenten disciplines is probably due to the fundamental difference we have with their origins; we don’t prepare ourselves with our works for baptism, or receiving God’s grace and salvation in Jesus Christ – it is a free gift from God! Should we however, be disciplined in our living for the sake of our neighbor and creation? By all means! And Lent is a good time to be reminded of such a calling.
Peace be with you.
Pastor Jim
|
|