Diet. This word for most of us has a negative connotation as it reminds us of suffering or self-denial. In the Philippines, if one says “I’m on a diet”, one is actually saying “I am denying myself the same amount of food I had been taking which caused me to appear this round”. I’m sure my friends would give me a lengthy sermon if I, known for my slender frame, declare that I’m on a diet. But I am a Catholic, so I am supposed to be on a diet.
My diet is due to the arrival of the season of Lent. Lent originally means ‘springtime’ but by some evolution of history, it has become a name for the season of the liturgical year where we are to observe fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. Fasting is a tradition we Catholics have in commemoration of Jesus’ 40-day of fasting in the desert.
You see, just as some Michael Jackson fans try to dance to Thriller to remember MJ when he passed away, we Christ believers also try to copy Jesus and His doings. We have this goal of being more Christ-like. This means we are to imitate Jesus’ examples and follow His philosophy. At plain sight, this seems a very good thing. Who would not want to be god-like? Don’t we admire a Percy Jackson who is a demi-god? Don’t we just love the idea of being a Dyosa? But when understanding of what being god-like requires dawns on us, we begin to reconsider whether we really want to be one. To follow Jesus is not at all about having magical powers, but about being holy which is the difficult part. It seems easier to be non-god-like anyway and remain true to our vulnerable humanity. Isn’t it easier to be true (magpakatotoo ka!) and admit to our weak vulnerable nature?
Jesus fasted for 40 days. We Catholics fast only on Ash Wednesday and Fridays over a 40-day period. What does this tell us about our attempt to be Christ-like? For some of us, it could mean proclaiming that Jesus is God because He can fast for 40 days and we mere mortals can’t. That however is such a lame way of looking at it. When Jesus went to the desert, He was most human like the rest of us. He was hungry. He was alone. He was vulnerable. But He made it. He did not turn stones into bread just so He can eat. He did not bow before the devil just so He can own great rich kingdoms. He was victorious before any temptation.
And the reason for this is because He was very much conscious that the Father was with Him. He had a strong relationship with God so He did not succumb to worldly temptations. He did not need worldly pleasures. Let me ask you this: Is your iPod greater than your God? When you are always with your iPod, isn’t it difficult to even consider a life without this beautiful gadget? Doesn’t it sometimes, or probably most of the time, hinder us from spending time in prayer which is one of the key in strengthening our relationship with God? Truly it is difficult to think of how brilliant God is in making your life a happy one if you do not deny yourself of worldly substitutes for your lack of happiness. Those who constantly have their earphone plugged to their ears may not exactly be lonely people. But I can claim that at that moment when they are busy with their music, save for those who are listening to music about God, they are not thinking of God – how good God is and how they need to be in a close relationship with Him. No matter how brilliant your brain is, it can only think of one thing at a time.
This is exactly why we need to be “on a diet” – to give ourselves time to reflect, to think of our life, our growth, our relationships, our God. In denying ourselves of the pleasures of this world, we are able to desire more of God and acknowledge that He is the only one we need. We then become more aware of His leading and we become transformed.
Even for Catholics, there may be confusions when it comes to Lent and Lenten practices. For instance, does Lent end with Black Saturday or before Holy Thursday? Does abstinence allow for eating products like milk and egg? Is eating chicken not allowed too? If you are a sea food lover, should you have a different Lenten practice? No matter the technicalities, what we have to remember is the purpose for the observance of this season. Lent is a preparation time for Easter. It is a time to transform ourselves for the good. It is a time to be more conscious of our goal of becoming more Christ-like. This faithful observance of Lent come Easter will only make our celebration of our salvation a more meaningful event. So, will you be on a diet too?
- Kristine Turado
