Here we are, almost a week into Lent. Are you observing? Apparently Lent is not just for Catholics. Who knew? I'm kidding of course, sort of. I've never really thought much about it before. Unless I ran into a person who apparently didn't see the smudge on their forehead before they left their house in the morning, Ash Wednesday would most likely come and go without me even noticing. It's a shame really. A practice that once was ubiquitous in the early church remains largely ignored by much of the modern church. But there does seem to be a resurgence of late, enough of one to catch my attention at least. And rightly so. It's a shame that many of the practices that influenced the early church have been lost under the envelop of Grace. I understand that practicing Lent does not earn me any points with God. It won't influence my redemption. What I don't understand is why this extended time of reflection, repentance, and penitence, while it doesn't impress God, isn't impressed on more people of the church today. My church is silent on it, as I expect most to all Fundamental Baptist churches are. Why wouldn't this be something every Christian gets behind? I often lament how empty Easter feels. Maybe its just me, I don't know, but what should be the most joyous and moving day of worship for Christ followers comes and goes about as fast as the ham that follows. Come on people! Easter is not the greatest of Sundays because of the special music! So this year, I'm preparing... and it began last Wednesday.
To be honest, I'm not sure what to expect. I'm hoping that I will find Easter to be the pinnacle it's meant to be. I'm hoping to reach a certain harmony with what God is doing with me and my family. I'm hoping to experience God in a fresh way. But ultimately, it's not about me. So we'll see. 35 days to go.
I agree with what you are saying, Todd. Last year was our first year in a new church and therefore our first experience with lent. I wasn't sure I understood the whole concept at first, but I'm learning. I'm learning that taking this "journey" is an extended journey of remembrance...remembering who God is, and what He has done and how truly profound this redemption story really is.
ReplyDeleteCherie
Great Post! I'm with you, I just recently in the past few years started looking into the practice. I appreciate the emphasis of reflection and remembrance of Lent. My only concern with this is adding rules and traditions to matters of the heart. Ireneas spoke of this observance, but in the earliest form is was only 2 or 3 days, not the 40 days that was established later on. I do agree that each church should emphasize the importance and blessing of this time for a Christian, but I would rather keep the focus on the internal, not the external. Ordinances of Christ is a different matter, this seems like traditions of men. Emphasizing those things, in my experience, can be very problematic.
ReplyDeleteFitzsy
With that said, I thought I should add that as long as the heart is right and genuine, practicing lent could be very beneficial. It seems like it is becoming very meaningful for you and your family, and that is a great thing!
ReplyDeleteFitzsy
By the way, I'm looking forward to your part 2 on young earth creationism. You are making me think about this issue a lot more!
Fitzy! You're still out there after all! Looking forward to that next post, ahemmmmm. It's lonely being the fool.
ReplyDeleteOn the issue of Lent, I hear you. For me it's not about an external measure to live up to, but rather a vehicle in a personal journey, of which I think is largely ignored in many churches. No, it's not an ordinance, but value doesn't come only through ordinance. I look at something like Lent, which as you mentioned has been practiced by the church in one form or another for thousands of years, as an excellent opportunity to participate in worship with the saints from the infancy of Christianity. I find that significant.