As we enter Lent some bishops have taken it upon themselves to call for an environmentally friendly Lent:  Give up your iPods for Lent – bishops.  I beg to disagree. What’s my problem? In a word, reductionism!  – reducing Lent from its focus on reconciliation with God to acts of service.

Lent is about getting our relationship with God in order. This includes reflection on life and our due acknowledgement of our failures before our merciful God and forgiveness through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. I agree that true contrition and repentance involves penance and acts of service. But reducing Lent to worthwhile acts including giving up chocolate,

… spending a day without using technology such as mobile phones or iPods, the 46 daily suggestions also include eating by candlelight, cutting meat and vegetables thinner so they cook faster and flushing the toilet less often

loses sight of reviewing our relationship with God and accepting forgiveness and reconciliation and hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

I am not arguing for an iPod and chocolate laden Lent but a Lenten spirituality of reconciliation and home coming to the God who loves us in Christ.