Hello and Welcome to Ash Wednesday
Mar 1, 2006
I am embarrassed to say that although I knew today was the first day of Lent, I didn't realize it was Ash Wednesday until I spotted a woman with that beautiful, grey mark. And this got me to thinking about the nature and practice of Lent, specifically in my own life. I'm still trying to figure out how to mark this season - it has to be more than just a flippant gesture of self-denial.
Most of us don't have the freedom to practice a serious fast, to follow the actual deprivation that Christ endured. What would happen if each of us (myself included) were able to set aside 40 days every year to devote ourselves to prayer and to deny ourselves all meals? What would happen to our families, communities, and churches?
Still, I am unconvinced that simply avoiding dessert or adult beverages or meat really brings us closer to God and His will. But perhaps that is my own ignorance. I know I should have thought about this sooner, but I'm going to consider what I can fast. And I'll be looking for something truly sacrificial.
Now for the audience participation portion of our programming: Do you celebrate Lent? If so, in what way? If not, why not?
Seriously, I'd like to know what you all think.
