The Season of Lent is a time of repentance, reflection, and rejuvenation. Lent is filled with all kinds of traditions. Traditions are the reflection of the faith of our ancestors alive in us, but following traditions without any understanding of why we do what we do is an indication that our own faith is very weak.
It is good, therefore, from time to time to look at our traditions and ask why we observed these traditions and what do they mean. The Church Calendar is designed to help us review the story of salvation from start to finish each year. It keeps us focused on what God has done for us. We began with Advent, we heard the prophets foretell the coming of the Savior. Christmas recounted the birth of Jesus who would save us from our sin. Epiphany begins with the coming of the Magi (wise men) and emphasizes Jesus mission to save all mankind. As we begin Lent our focus changes to the suffering of Christ and how He saved us by dying for our sins.
To better understand the price Jesus paid for our sin we observe a time of fasting. The forty day period is a reminder of the forty day fast Jesus observed at the start of His ministry. Historically, the church has encouraged joint fasts. These fasts have helped to deepen the appreciation of what Christ did for us, but also were intended to aid others. Members were encouraged fast from meat and eat fish. This also helped the poor fishermen in their villages.
We also fast from other things. Our church gives up the word “Alleluia” for Lent. Historically, the church fasted from all partying for the forty days. Weddings and other major celebrations were postponed until after the fast. Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday), was the day to clean out the cupboards and get rid of all the fat. It became a day to celebrate the blessings God has given us in contrast to the suffering He endured to save us. Unfortunately like all Christian Holidays secular society takes over and morphs them into days of self centered decadence.
The observation of Lent is intended to help us focus. The fasting is designed to help us understand the price Jesus paid for our salvation. The forty days does not include the Sundays. They are breaks in the fast to help us continue and remind us that we cannot be Holy without Christ. He continually infuses us with His Grace and empowers us to keep following Jesus.
May this Lenten Season truly give each of us a greater appreciation of God’s Grace in Christ.
Pastor Mark
It is good, therefore, from time to time to look at our traditions and ask why we observed these traditions and what do they mean. The Church Calendar is designed to help us review the story of salvation from start to finish each year. It keeps us focused on what God has done for us. We began with Advent, we heard the prophets foretell the coming of the Savior. Christmas recounted the birth of Jesus who would save us from our sin. Epiphany begins with the coming of the Magi (wise men) and emphasizes Jesus mission to save all mankind. As we begin Lent our focus changes to the suffering of Christ and how He saved us by dying for our sins.
To better understand the price Jesus paid for our sin we observe a time of fasting. The forty day period is a reminder of the forty day fast Jesus observed at the start of His ministry. Historically, the church has encouraged joint fasts. These fasts have helped to deepen the appreciation of what Christ did for us, but also were intended to aid others. Members were encouraged fast from meat and eat fish. This also helped the poor fishermen in their villages.
We also fast from other things. Our church gives up the word “Alleluia” for Lent. Historically, the church fasted from all partying for the forty days. Weddings and other major celebrations were postponed until after the fast. Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday), was the day to clean out the cupboards and get rid of all the fat. It became a day to celebrate the blessings God has given us in contrast to the suffering He endured to save us. Unfortunately like all Christian Holidays secular society takes over and morphs them into days of self centered decadence.
The observation of Lent is intended to help us focus. The fasting is designed to help us understand the price Jesus paid for our salvation. The forty days does not include the Sundays. They are breaks in the fast to help us continue and remind us that we cannot be Holy without Christ. He continually infuses us with His Grace and empowers us to keep following Jesus.
May this Lenten Season truly give each of us a greater appreciation of God’s Grace in Christ.
Pastor Mark
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