Lent Day 24, Friday, Mar 12, 2021
“No Alcohol or Soda for 24 hours!”
The Friday Challenges during Lent are really becoming annoying. Every Friday, we are guilted into a different Challenge related to food and drink. In other words, for one day each week, we are faced with another type of “Fast”.
For the Teetotalers and minors in our group, this Challenge will be a snap, unless, of course, they are addicted to diet coke. As for the rest of us, we are faced with the difficult decision of when to start our 24-hour clock. As I (the author) have suggested on previous Fridays during Lent, perhaps you began the clock last night after you went to bed. By the time you arose this morning, a portion of your day is already completed and you’ve only got a little while longer to grin and bear it.
These fasting Challenges are important. Fasting has been part of the Church since the earliest of days. The purpose of fasting is to demonstrate our reliance upon God rather than food and drinks. Those with compromised health are almost always exempt from any fasting rules.
However, today’s Challenge won’t let the health-restricted off the hook. The author has yet to hear of an illness or condition that requires the consumption of alcohol or soda pop every day. These two items aren’t easily classified as “needs”, so stop surfing your browser for an excuse. Rather, sit back, relax in your chair, and enjoy your coffee or lemonade. This little sacrifice will blow by quicker than you think and your body will almost definitely thank you for it.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NRSV).
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