Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Ash Wednesday
The official beginning of Lent. Some of my friends' churches actually hold Ash Wednesday Services. I have never been to one - I always wonder if at some point my Pastor is going to add one to our observances. We have saved the palm branches from Palm Sunday the past few years - just in case we do decide to observe this day. (The ashes used in most services traditionally come from burning the palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday processional.)
I have actually made the mistake of telling someone they had something on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. That's a guaranteed way to look ignorant to the Lenten season!! Especially if their response is, "It's Ash Wednesday" and your response is a somewhat failed attempt at looking as if you suddenly understand what in the world they are talking about.
I am told the Ash Wednesday Services are somber services meant to lead the worshipers in to an observance of mourning, self reflection, and the practice of self-denial. Of course this is to remind us of the sacrifices of Christ and to take our focus off ourselves.
So today, for me, begins a process of pondering all of this and more. I would really rather just skip to Easter. But I do understand the importance of taking time to ponder the sacrifice.
simple faith
The official beginning of Lent. Some of my friends' churches actually hold Ash Wednesday Services. I have never been to one - I always wonder if at some point my Pastor is going to add one to our observances. We have saved the palm branches from Palm Sunday the past few years - just in case we do decide to observe this day. (The ashes used in most services traditionally come from burning the palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday processional.)
I have actually made the mistake of telling someone they had something on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. That's a guaranteed way to look ignorant to the Lenten season!! Especially if their response is, "It's Ash Wednesday" and your response is a somewhat failed attempt at looking as if you suddenly understand what in the world they are talking about.
I am told the Ash Wednesday Services are somber services meant to lead the worshipers in to an observance of mourning, self reflection, and the practice of self-denial. Of course this is to remind us of the sacrifices of Christ and to take our focus off ourselves.
So today, for me, begins a process of pondering all of this and more. I would really rather just skip to Easter. But I do understand the importance of taking time to ponder the sacrifice.
simple faith
Labels: Lent
# posted by simple faith : 9:37 AM
