Hello, Internet. I'm back (well, on Spring Break, so I actually have time to post)! I want to talk about Lent. If you have Roman Catholic friends or other liturgical churchgoing friends, you've probably heard these past couple of weeks the word "Lent" or "Ash Wednesday". Maybe you're wondering what that means. I'm here to answer those and many other questions today.
Lent is a season of the liturgical year dedicated to self-examination and repentance of the faithful. Lent this year begins this upcoming Wednesday, March 5, Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, in which Lutherans (and other Christians) go to a special service where ashes are placed on their forehead (usually in the sign of the cross, but it varies from place to place), with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or, "Repent, and believe in the gospel". The practice of using ashes in regards to contrition and repentance is quite biblical, with many saints of the Old Testament using ashes; for example, Job. But what is more important is the journey one makes during Lent: the forty days of Lent is meant to mirror the forty days that our Lord was tempted in the desert by the devil. (The Sundays in Lent, are part of Lent but not "in" Lent, and since each Sunday is a mini-celebration of the Resurrection, those of us who have abstained from something are to indulge (with moderation) in that which we have abstained from. These forty days are a time of serious self-examination, repentance, and conversion. Many people will "give up" something for Lent in order to replace it with something that will help them focus more on God. Some people will take up a habit, usually praying more or reading their Bible more. Some people will take this time to do something they normally wouldn't do, such as doing charitable deeds to others. None of these things score brownie points with God, but they do force us to look outside of ourselves and toward others and God, who is the Source of all we have.
So, is Lent something required? No, it's not. This year is my first time observing Lent, and I'm excited and nervous for what will transpire during these forty days, and being forced to confront my sinfulness and being forced to realize that I can do absolutely nothing without the grace of God. It will be a time of growth, for sure. Lent prepares our heart for Eastertime, when the Church all over the world comes together to celebrate the fulcrum of the Christian faith. Lent makes the observance of Easter a bit more enjoyable in my opinion.
As I said before, I will chronicle my Lenten journey with you all here, and based on what you see these coming weeks, perhaps you will take a Lenten journey with me next year. As always, if you have any questions about Lent or anything else related to the Christian faith, feel free to email me at: Etovar1991@gmail.com
God bless,
Manny Tovar
No comments:
Post a Comment