We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
Way back in the mid 1950s my mother introduced me to the health improving period we call Lent, removing all meat including chicken from our regular eating regime replaced by fish, potatoes, vegetables particularly cabbage, and turnip. Sacrifice of the predictable meal was an invitation to live a healthier life. My mother simply introduced her children to the war time diet that had assisted her become healthier, fitter, and much more dynamic dealing with her everyday challenges.
The foundation of self-denial in the Christian tradition is based on the revelation of the Divine Presence alive in our life asking us to share something of our excess with those He introduces to us. Here we are discussing The Father's Banqueting table. The more enlightened sages among us define self sacrifice as our free choice to surrender our obssession with status choosing to live a simpler, and more rewarding life by making choices addressing our absolute needs, rather than attempting to impress our friends, and neighbours.
Lent is also about opening our eyes to those who live among us, in great need of the most basic necessities. Self denial enables us to spare some of our excess to feed the mouths of the hungry, discovered on street corners needing more than a pleasant smile.
Saying no, to what we want, and yes, to that ever so subtle whisper entering our thoughts, pointing us to use just a little of our good fortune to assist the less fortunate person will please Our Father, rapidly replenishing our resources sufficiently to encourage us to keep on sharing our life's gifts with those who by apparent coincidence appear in our life seeking our practical assistance.
James 2 - 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
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