Next week is Ash Wednesday, time to think
Lenten thoughts. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of 40 weekdays of
preparation for Easter season, which are days in Lent, but not days of
Lent.
Each year I write to refresh Christians’ memories of the 40
days of Lent that symbolize variously the 40 days Moses spent on Mount
Sinai, the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, or the 40
days Jesus fasted in the desert.
Years ago when I was in high
school most of my friends seemed to be of the Catholic faith. Our
schedule was generally to go to one or another’s home and work on our
homework together so we could have time to do other things once our
lessons were complete. When Ash Wednesday arrived each year, the friends
would go to church; it wasn't every day, but several times during the
week following classes at school. If I wanted to work with them on
homework, I followed along to church and participated right along with
them, even though I was Presbyterian at the time.
Our elders
always stress the importance of this holy season and we should recognize
this and perhaps discuss topics pertaining to what Lent should mean to
everyone - perhaps at the dinner table that evening if your family has
the tradition of all gathering each day at the table for supper. If your
family doesn't have that tradition or rule, then at breakfast there may
be time to discuss the happenings for the day or news of family
happenings. Time was when there were sacrifices made such as not eating
meat on certain days in some homes or persons offering their own
sacrifices during the season personally for the holy observance. Does
anyone still do this? Some practices and beliefs have changed
considerably since those days.
But, we can still have our own
thoughts and try to be more conscious of the season. We could think of
the holiday season we celebrated during, Christmas, and renew the
feeling we had of being sensitive and understanding to others, praising
them, doing kind things for them, giving them encouragement for their
deeds and good works. It only takes a few minutes and can mean so much
to someone.
You know the person you mentioned during the holiday
time you promised to stop by and see or get together for a chat; have
you done it? This would be a good time to keep that promise ... let
today or tomorrow be that day. Stop by the nursing home, if you don't
have someone there, just visit with any person sitting in the hallway
waiting for someone to visit them ... it means so much. Remember hot
cross buns? They are specially made at this season. And, they are just
the thing to pick up at the local bakery or supermarket and take along
either for home as a remembrance of why they are available at this time
of year, or to a shut-in with a thermos of coffee to share with them.
Perhaps it might start a tradition you can do each year to observe this
holy season with your favorite aunt or grandmother; you will also be
rewarded by your feelings of doing this.
Do try to make this season different in your life.
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