Wednesday, February 25, 2009

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent...a season that I didn't grow up participating in, but am now seeing as a time to engage spiritually in preparation for the crucifixion and resurrection events that shape my faith and all of history...

Wikipedia gives an interesting and applicable explanation of the customs during Lent. It says "There are traditionally forty days in Lent which are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and alms giving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them closer to God, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations."

1 comment:

krose said...

I started lent for the first time this year by giving up sweets; not because I needed to, but because it was something that I had to control. Giving up control is something that humans have a hard time doing. It helped me realize that I can live without controling every aspect of my life. Putting into a bigger perspective, not eating sweets allowed for a healthier 40 days and just think about the larger implications. If we give up our little spiritual controls in our life to Christ, we are able to have a healthier faith in Him. Our faith is no longer controled by our own intrests, but by the one who has the BEST plan for us.