It is Lent and I am doing my usual half-day fast. I'm also taking on studying fasting. My bible study group is reading a book on fasting which I find somewhat difficult, mostly because of the belief system of the evangelical preacher who wrote it. So, I am doing my own research as I read it.
I found this interesting article by LeeAnne Beres. Her suggestion is to look at Lent as an opportunity to grow closer to God and God's creation. By seeing Lent this way, we can celebrate creation by decreasing our carbon footprint. If God created earth and said it was good, then it is our responsibility to take care of it. Another way to see it, is to notice how integrated we are on earth; we are all equal and have a role in keeping God's creation beautiful and healthy for us all.
Prayers may seem unanswered, but never are.
Our ancestors viewed the earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we know is the case only if we care for it. It is not difficult to forgive destruction in the past that resulted from ignorance. Today, however, we have access to more information, and it is essential that we re-examine ethically what we have inherited, what we are responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations.--The Dalai Lama
