The period of Lent has been celebrated since around 1000 A.D. It was considered a period for fasting and the church suggested that congregations eat, no meat, butter, eggs or milk. The idea here is not to make you suffer by taking away something you love. The idea here is that by giving up something you are not only exercising self discipline but you're telling God and Jesus that you are at least trying to identify with what our Saviour was going through, as he reflected in the wilderness, and had to come to terms with the horrible journey that was about to begin.
So if Jesus is your friend, as a friend you'll want to show some empathy and Lent gives you the opportunity to do this by giving up something. And if you don't want to give up anything this year don't worry. ( I didn't give up anything last year) At least think about it.
I humbly suggest that you just DO something. Go to a church service, go to Ash Wednesday, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Do anything that breaks your routine and is not about you.
What to give up? Well, think of the regular New Year's Eve Resolutions, no smoking, no drinking, no cookies or cake. I am going to give up all alcohol. This year I want to give up something that has a little sting. If I give up ice cream for example, it'll be a no brainer. I don't eat ice cream so it's like I'll be celebrating a faux Lent.
As write that I say wow, forty days? Giving up those Bloody Mary's for brunch? Can I really do this? Well, this year I'm going to try and I'm sure I'll be better for it. How about this. No beer,( I love beer so this will be hard). Only one Bloody Mary at brunch and a glass or two of wine but only at "special dinners". Ok, I'm on. I'll keep you posted.
I think I'll start there.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lent
Lent is a forty day period...a time to let go of sins. The church at this time is stripped of flowers and according to my Episcopal calender the priests will be wearing purple robes that signify penitence and expectation. It's a solemn reflective time.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
The great part about Lent is that this is a period where I can reflect inward on my life, change things for the better forgive myself for my sins, although this year I have sinned a lost less than previous Lents.
It doesn't matter however, where you are on the sin scale it's time to examine that, reflect and take the action that will transform yourself for the better. Lent is like an extended New Years Eve resolution but because it's 40 days you really have time to tackle those big problems.
If you've never gone to a Priest before Lent is a great time to go. Although I have found that Priests look unapproachable the ones at Epiphany are quite the opposite. You don't even have to go to church you can give them a call.
Think of then like a shrink you can talk about your problems and whatever you tell them is between you and them. These people have devoted their lives to a calling so don't be afraid to approach them.
SHROVE Tuesday
Otherwise know as national pancake day this is the day for carb lovers to eat your heart out. It's also Fat Tuesday the famous Mardi Gras celebration of drinking and dancing and whatever else comes to mind?
Why? Because this is the last day before Lent. Lent is the forty day period when Jesus went into the wilderness to meditate and combat the devil. It is the 40 day period that prepares us for the crucifixion on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter night.
The church of the Epiphany on 74th and York will be hosting a pancake and sausage dinner at six and all are welcome. Bring the kids and don't be shy second and thirds and fourths will be served.
Why? Because this is the last day before Lent. Lent is the forty day period when Jesus went into the wilderness to meditate and combat the devil. It is the 40 day period that prepares us for the crucifixion on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter night.
The church of the Epiphany on 74th and York will be hosting a pancake and sausage dinner at six and all are welcome. Bring the kids and don't be shy second and thirds and fourths will be served.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
