Brothers and sisters of Mount Olive, God's richest blessings to you all! Well, we are all back into routine after the Christmas celebration, and before you know it, will be celebrating Easter. Time seems to be slipping away. And as we look forward, we remember that Lent is a time for preparation as we anticipate Holy Week and commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, concluding with Easter. The 40-day period reflects on the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before his public ministry began (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). It was during this time He was tempted by, but did not give in to, Satan. For us, this time becomes a time of reflection, soul-searching and repentance.
Most all have heard of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, Carnival or Fasching (carnival celebration). Traditionally, this has been the three-day period before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The word carnival comes from the Latin phrase meaning "removal of meat" thus giving to the tradition of fasting. Shrove or "Shrovetide" means to repent. More recently, Mardi Gras as we know has become quite a party, especially in New Orleans.
But for us, Lent is a time of reflection and repentance; and for some, a time for fasting. The journey through Lent is a personal one. It is a time to humble ourselves before our God; confess our need for His salvation; to empty ourselves. And what better way but to daily go to Him in prayer, asking for His continued love and forgiveness. To spend time in reflection on what His Son, our Lord and Savior, did for us; to reflect on the grace that we daily receive from God. I pray you will take these upcoming 40 days of Lent in true preparation for that Easter celebration where we can proclaim with Christians worldwide, He is risen, He is risen indeed!
May God richly bless you all in your personal journey.
