Transcending Rituals: The Dual Nature of Great Lent
The text raises two key questions that significantly influence the understanding of the religious practice of Great Lent. The first issue concerns the dual nature of the Lent – its external aspect (strict dietary restrictions and adherence to prescribed rules) and its internal aspect (repentance, cleansing of the conscience, and strengthening of will). The second issue is that the observance of Lent should not be limited to mere ritualistic restrictions but should involve true inner renewal, a sincere striving for prayer and repentance.Thus, the author of the article notes:"In this article on Great Lent, we will first address the external aspect of Lent, which consists of abstaining from food and drink, and we will show that such abstinence is necessary in a person’s spiritual life. Then, we will discuss the internal aspect of Lent, which consists of repentance, cleansing of the conscience, and strengthening of will..." (source: link txt)This emphasizes the idea that following Lent requires not only adherence to rules but also a deep inner experience that helps a person spiritually renew and draw closer to God.Furthermore, the text touches on the issue of self-deception when the fast is performed merely by the letter of the law without a true spiritual approach.
For example, one textual excerpt states:"But what is fasting in essence?And might there not be self-deception among those who consider it necessary to observe the fast only by the letter, but do not love it and feel burdened by it in their hearts? And can it be called fasting merely by following rules about abstaining from meat on fasting days? It must be assumed that this would not be fasting, even if all the rules and customs of fasting are observed. Fr. Varsanofiy the Great says: 'Fasting of the flesh means nothing without the spiritual fast of the inner person, which consists in guarding oneself against passions'" (source: link txt).Thus, the text highlights that true Great Lent is a comprehensive spiritual exercise: physical discipline must be accompanied by inner repentance and prayer, which serve as the foundation for spiritual cleansing and preparation for the main feast of faith.Moreover, the symbolic significance of Great Lent is also discussed as an imitation of the Savior's fast, which endows the Lent with a special sacredness and reinforces its importance as an act of faith and devotion:"Great Lent is a unique fast; it is our spiritual tithe, sacrifice, and offering to God, as commanded even in the Old Testament... At the same time, Great Lent is an imitation of the forty-day fast of Christ the Savior" (source: link txt).The impact of these issues on the understanding of religious practice is evident in emphasizing the need for inner work by the believer. Ritual restrictions and external observance of rules transform into a form of spiritual experience necessary for the renewal of the soul and the building of proper relationships with God. This means that fasting is perceived not merely as refraining from certain foods, but as an important method to achieve personal spiritual maturity, prepare for the celebration of Easter, and strengthen the connection with the divine.