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Lent at Faith
March 1st marks the beginning of the liturgical season known as lent. This is a time of reflection and penance that prepares us to receive the gift of Christ at Easter. I am pleased to celebrate this season with Faith Presbyterian Church this year. Pleased reclaim a practice of the Christian tradition that helps us grow closer to God. This year on March 1st at 6 p.m. in the church courtyard we will gather for an Ash Wednesday service and a service in the manner of the Taize community.
Ash Wednesday has been officially apart of the Christian tradition since 1091 when Pope Urban II made it a part of the Roman Catholic tradition. In many Protestant traditions Ash Wednesday, and the observance of the entire lenten season fell out of practice. This was in large part as a reaction against the Catholic Church. Thomas Cranmer claimed that Ash Wednesday, along with many other practices, was a practice of superstition. His argument and the rejection of the Catholic Church remained enough to keep Ash Wednesday out of favor. In recent years however, a focus on reclaiming practices that help us deepen our faith journey are being rediscovered. This includes more frequent celebration of communion, remembrance of baptism and days like Ash Wednesday.
The season of lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, is 40 days meant to represent the time Christ spent in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. Just as Christ went without, lent often calls us to give up our luxuries in solidarity and remembrance. Some practice fasting during this time, while others may give up habits that are distracting them from a deeper relationship with God. I hope you will consider giving up something this season, whether it is the beloved chocolate, social media, or any number of things that are distractions or luxuries. I also invite you to add a practice that will help you draw closer to God in this time. To that end Kyle and I will offer ways that you can add spiritual practices to your days and weeks through out the lenten season, so stay tuned.
I look forward to seeing you on March 1st at 6 p.m. in the Faith courtyard where we can join together in community waiting for the gift of the resurrected Christ.
Stephen
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