Brought up in a small town in Ohio, and raised by a Russian Orthodox father, and a Roman Catholic mother was quite the adventure. Go ahead, ask me, was I confused? The answer is yes and no. I was young and loved both my parents. My father made the sign of the cross from right to left, while my mother crossed left to right. The churches so similar in many ways, but worlds apart for my parents. As a child I was innocent enough to embrace both, and I learned much about the religion of religion.
What I did eventually find was the best of both worlds. I can still go to either church and respect both for their own traditions and enjoy both. I think God would like that. I don't think He is ever worried about the church, religion or traditions. These are all man made rules and traditions, and I don't think they represent the true heart of my God.
Celebrating and observing Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Almsgiving day seems like the right thing to do. I currently go to a Bible based church that doesn't observe either one. Go figure!! Even though the Word about Lent, and the 40 days in the desert is so very biblical, it escapes me why it is not observed.
Let me speak for a moment about the sign of the cross traced in ashes on the forehead. It reminds us to ask for forgiveness and to continue to strive to draw nearer to the Lord.
Lent...a personal sacrifice that can encompass fasting and or abstinence. Fasting refers to the amount of food taken in on a particular day. Fasting goes hand in hand with prayer and honoring the 40 day fast of Christ. It is a good reminder and supports prayer. Abstinence refers to giving up a favorite treat during these days that we are to consider Holy.
Whether or not you believe in any of the above traditions, they are a thought to ponder and consider. When we are fasting and remembering to pray life becomes more pure and real. Almsgiving a time to give to those in need should be remembered all year long. If we only remember during the Lenten period we have missed the mission of Christ.
Celebrate none or all. Just remember to remember God and what Easter is truly about.
Prayer is a gift to all, it costs you nothing but your time and your heart.
Pray for someone today.
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