What does a Lenten sacrifice involve?  Let's face it -- for many of us the answer is little or nothing and the more relevant question that comes to mind is, why bother?  This year I had the opportunity to take a serious look at the subject of making a Lenten sacrifice as I prepared for my guest homilist role on the first Sunday in Lent.  This article invites you to join me in my effort.
 
In most Christian denominations, Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter.  The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where, according to the Bible, he endured temptation by Satan.  The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer-through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial-for the annual commemoration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

After a bit of reflection, I decided that this year I would make an effort to combine my self-denial and almsgiving by doing some good.  I intend to bring my lunch from home at least one day per week (currently I buy it).  I figure at an average savings of $5 per meal, this will be a minimum of $35 during the period of Lent.  At the end of this period I will go to Costco and buy food for the pantry at House of Ruth.  The House of Ruth runs a shelter program for women here in the District and the Outreach Committee of St. Thomas' supports that program by purchasing ingredients and cooking a monthly meal for about 60 residents.
 
In the event you have not heard or read recent reports, food banks around the country are facing a surge in demand at the same time they are experiencing reduced surplus food donations from local supermarkets due to new technology that better monitor supply and demand, as well as reduced surplus donations from government programs.  This trend was evident in the pantry and refrigerator at House of Ruth during our January visit.
 
I invite you to join me in this endeavor.  Whether you bring a lunch from home, cook at home rather than eat dinner out, or have one less martini than average during a weekly social gathering, I encourage you to make a personal sacrifice and also help those less fortunate than you.  Reflect for a minute on this sacrifice compared to the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me.  Almost a no-brainer isn't it?  Admittedly, my $35 is not going to make a big dent in the DC hunger problem, but this is about the power of numbers.  If just 30 people join me, the total will reach $1,000, and if enough people participate we can make a meaningful contribution to more than one hunger program.
 
I am sure you have all heard the words, there but by the grace of God go I ... so I challenge you to join me in doing God's work.  Together we can make a difference!  If you decide to participate, or perhaps have an interest in helping with the monthly meal preparation at House of Ruth, please let me know by sending an email to internetgreg@verizon.net.