We know the sacrifice bunt, sacrifice fly, sacrifice hit …the batter sacrifices himself in order to advance his teammate on base. “Sacrifice” means to offer, to give, or to surrender something of value for a greater good, for the benefit of someone else or for God. It comes from the Latin word “sacer” meaning holy, devoted, dedicated and set apart, which is also the root for our words “sacrament” and “sacred.” Most of us practice “sacrifice” personally. We give from our time, talents and money to the community, our churches, clubs and charities. We sacrifice our own needs and wants for our children and grandchildren, giving them good things, training, education, good upbringing and values.
This February we enter a period of “Sacrifice” in the Christian year called “Lent,” the 40 days (Sundays excluded) leading up to Easter, when we remember the death and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. The spiritual pilgrimage of “Lent” begins on Ash Wednesday this February 6th, when Christians attend church to receive the mark of ashes on their foreheads as a sign of humility before God and mourning over sin and death. Lent remembers the time when Jesus spent 40 days alone in the desert wilderness before he began his three-year ministry. There he prayed, fasted, was tempted by the evil one, was tended to by angels, sorted out the true purpose of his life and his dependence upon God.
Likewise, we can choose to perform acts of sacrifice during Lent to focus on our spiritual life and values. It is a “time out” during our busy year to take our eyes off ourselves and to revisit, renew and rediscover our relationship with God. Fasting has been a popular Lenten sacrifice, forgoing meals or foods like meat, chocolate or fast food. Instead of “giving up” something, sacrifice during Lent by doing something. Dedicate yourself to a daily personal meditation, including Bible reading and prayer. Set aside 10 minutes each day to read, talk to God and listen for God’s voice. Or give up some personal activities to do something for others. Volunteer at our valley’s homeless shelter, the Food Pantry or the Hunger Defense Fund. You may even choose to attend church services at the church of your choice, as a spiritual sacrifice.
Lent is a period to abstain and focus on the spiritual part of our lives and to reconnect with God, while we remember that God’s sinless son died in sadness for us, that we all may live in gladness. One man with his life forfeited so that all may be acquitted. To this our God committed and in joy have we submitted.
For more information, please contact First Presbyterian Church at 661-259-0555.