What’s the point of all the rules and regulations of Lent? What’s the point of the rules given by God in the Old Testament (the Ten Commandments)? Why can’t we eat meat on Fridays?

The point is to gain spiritual points in heaven. It’s to get to the right hand of God.

Wait…

no it’s not.

The point of all of these rules, regulations, and commandments are to allow you to know the freedom of true love in Christ.

God wants us to be happy and he knows what is good and bad for us. So what did he do? He let us in on a little secret. He told us how to get closer to him. He taught us the path to joy.

John 14:15
Jesus says “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

John 15:9-11
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

Still think the rules are just a dry invention taught by CCD teachers to make sure you don’t act up?

So why do we give up things or add some on during lent? The purpose is to become aware of the Lord. I’ve added daily prayers instead of giving something up (unless you include my friend’s suggestion to give up useless spending) and that has brought me much closer to God than giving up something as in years past. But for some, the self-denial causes more of a renewal of spirit, and that’s the point. Jesus says, “be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). How can we be “perfect”? We can strive to be the best version of ourself. We can strive to fulfill our purpose, to know love and serve God.

During lent, I hope whatever we gave up, whatever we added, or whatever rules we decide to follow bring us closer to the Lord instead of just giving us another thing to complain about in our hectic lives.

Praise God through whom all blessings flow!