The Spirit of Lent
20/02/10 10:01 Filed in: Lent
At the start of Lent, the ashes we wear our foreheads remind us that we are sinners and in need of repentance and forgiveness. One thing our generation must make an amend for is the way we have overspent, squandering the birthright of our children and grandchildren. The only way we can hope to do that is by embracing a simpler, truly affordable lifestyle.
When we received the Lenten ashes, we heard the sobering words, “Remember, Man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.” In fact, everything in this world will turn to dust. Those ashes are all that remains of last year’s palm branches, the type of branches laid before Christ on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem - - a pointed reminder of the fleeting nature of all worldly achievements.
The ashes were placed on our foreheads in the sign of a cross to symbolize that we must follow the example of Jesus and take up our cross daily. As faithful Christians, we must be willing to die to self.
During the 40 days of Lent, we are called to die to self through prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. There is no reason why that spirit of self-sacrifice has to end at Easter. As a nation, we need to live a Lenten lifestyle year ‘round.
When we received the Lenten ashes, we heard the sobering words, “Remember, Man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.” In fact, everything in this world will turn to dust. Those ashes are all that remains of last year’s palm branches, the type of branches laid before Christ on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem - - a pointed reminder of the fleeting nature of all worldly achievements.
The ashes were placed on our foreheads in the sign of a cross to symbolize that we must follow the example of Jesus and take up our cross daily. As faithful Christians, we must be willing to die to self.
During the 40 days of Lent, we are called to die to self through prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. There is no reason why that spirit of self-sacrifice has to end at Easter. As a nation, we need to live a Lenten lifestyle year ‘round.
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