Lent is a season of preparation for Christ's passion on the cross and for the resurrection celebrated at Easter. The early Christians observed this season of 40 days plus Sundays with a time of penitence and fasting. The 40 days are a reminder of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry.Lent is the most introspective of the church seasons, and in modern times the foci are on self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting and self-denial; and meditation on the Holy Scriptures. All of these devotional practices, including giving up something, are to help up prepare for Easter.
The practice of fasting or self-denial often receives the most attention. To better prepare, we abstain from something: Alcohol, meat or chocolate are simple pleasures that many people often give up as a Lenten discipline. Giving up peas for me would be no sacrifice; I hate peas. The sacrifice should be something that produces a noticeable absence.
The theological basis for this is simple: Every time we want what we have given up, we are reminded of what Christ gave up for us. Christ gave his life. While our sacrifice pales in comparison, it serves as a frequent reminder of God's overwhelming and complete love for each of us in our season of preparation for the resurrection.
Thank you precious Jesus for your amazing sacrifice! may I be constantly reminded of your beautiful gift of life.
For lent I decided to give up chocolate and all chocolate related things, also no meat on fridays =)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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