Sunday Notes, February 14, 2010, second service
Many of our Christian friends in other traditions begin their celebration of Lent next week, beginning with Ash Wednesday, when they may have the “imposition of ashes” placed on their foreheads in the shape of the cross.
The ashes will remind them of their mortality and also of their need to repent of their sins (in “sackcloth and ashes”). The cross will remind them of their immortality through Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of their sins.
As they move into Lent, they may practice some form of fasting, giving up certain activities or goodies for 40 days until Easter.
Some strains of Protestantism see a danger in celebrating special days and seasons, based on some passages in Paul’s epistles warning against empty rituals. Certainly God desires a broken heart and true humility, not torn clothes or ritualistic fasting.
We’ll look briefly at both sides of the issue, but we’ll spend most of our time talking about how we can, in fact, prepare our hearts for the commemoration of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection during Holy Week and Easter, practiced by ALL Christians. We may not formally keep Lent, but we can do certain things to help us develop a deeper appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice for us.
We may spend weeks or months preparing for a special family event or dream vacation. Please think about how we can spend 40 days preparing to commemorate the greatest events the world has ever known!
Thanks,
Jon
