Lent: Observing the Season
By Scott R. Cooper, vestryman, St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Prineville
first published on the Central Oregonian faith page, Feburary 2008
The calendar of the Christian church includes a number of distinct periods. The run up to Christmas is known as “Advent.” Then comes “Christmas”, followed by “Epiphany.” Next comes “Lent,” which concludes at Easter, when the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated by all churches, regardless of denomination.
Lent as practiced historically is a period of prayer, penitence, charity and self-denial. The period runs 40 days, not counting Sundays. The Christian Church began its observance of Lent this past Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday, a holy day which is observed in some churches by services which conclude with the placement of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead of parishioners. The imposition of ashes recalls for us that no matter how far we may rise in this life, we should be ever mindful that we were created by God from dust, that we are inferior to him that God, not man, is ultimately in control of our destinies.
In Prineville, the season of Lent is observed in a structured way by Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and Presbyterians. The basic principles of Lent, however, cross all denominational lines. To observe Lent, regardless of your religious affiliation, is simply to reflect on Christ and why he came to earth to offer salvation to mankind and to try to emulate Christ’s life and follow his teachings.
To do this, does not require that you be in Church on Sunday morning, although we at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church and all the other churches of this community would welcome you at any time.
You can do this by adding a few very simple activities to your daily routine:
Consider renewing your prayer life. Take a few minutes each morning or evening to thank God for what you have, to remember those who have less than you and to ask for guidance and wisdom in the day to come.
Consider adding grace before meals as a family tradition. If you have children, this is an excellent way to expose them to spirituality, especially if you don’t attend services regularly. In addition, national studies show that children who have some religious exposure are nearly 4 times less likely to be involved in drug or alcohol abuse, delinquency or premarital sex.
Charity is a big part of the Lenten tradition. If you are not doing so already, considering donating an hour a week to a worthy charity of making a contribution as small as $5 a week to a good cause. That $5 is the price of a fast-food meal or a couple of fancy coffees which you don’t really need, but over 52 weeks it represents $260 which can make an enormous difference to someone in need. (Another way to engage in meaning financial support of good work is to throw your spare change in a quart jar and donate the proceeds when the jar is full. You’ll be amazed at how fast this adds up.)
Lent, Holy Week and Easter present us with ample opportunities to worship Christ in a beautiful setting with candles, incense, hymns, kneeling and formal prayers. Because we human beings are drawn to pageantry and show, these things can help feel closer to God. But Lent is much, much more than religious drama. Correctly observed, it is also a time of simple piety, when we through everyday acts increase our efforts to emulate Jesus, and in doing so to give meaning to his death and glorious resurrection.
first published on the Central Oregonian faith page, Feburary 2008
The calendar of the Christian church includes a number of distinct periods. The run up to Christmas is known as “Advent.” Then comes “Christmas”, followed by “Epiphany.” Next comes “Lent,” which concludes at Easter, when the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated by all churches, regardless of denomination.
Lent as practiced historically is a period of prayer, penitence, charity and self-denial. The period runs 40 days, not counting Sundays. The Christian Church began its observance of Lent this past Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday, a holy day which is observed in some churches by services which conclude with the placement of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead of parishioners. The imposition of ashes recalls for us that no matter how far we may rise in this life, we should be ever mindful that we were created by God from dust, that we are inferior to him that God, not man, is ultimately in control of our destinies.
In Prineville, the season of Lent is observed in a structured way by Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and Presbyterians. The basic principles of Lent, however, cross all denominational lines. To observe Lent, regardless of your religious affiliation, is simply to reflect on Christ and why he came to earth to offer salvation to mankind and to try to emulate Christ’s life and follow his teachings.
To do this, does not require that you be in Church on Sunday morning, although we at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church and all the other churches of this community would welcome you at any time.
You can do this by adding a few very simple activities to your daily routine:
Consider renewing your prayer life. Take a few minutes each morning or evening to thank God for what you have, to remember those who have less than you and to ask for guidance and wisdom in the day to come.
Consider adding grace before meals as a family tradition. If you have children, this is an excellent way to expose them to spirituality, especially if you don’t attend services regularly. In addition, national studies show that children who have some religious exposure are nearly 4 times less likely to be involved in drug or alcohol abuse, delinquency or premarital sex.
Charity is a big part of the Lenten tradition. If you are not doing so already, considering donating an hour a week to a worthy charity of making a contribution as small as $5 a week to a good cause. That $5 is the price of a fast-food meal or a couple of fancy coffees which you don’t really need, but over 52 weeks it represents $260 which can make an enormous difference to someone in need. (Another way to engage in meaning financial support of good work is to throw your spare change in a quart jar and donate the proceeds when the jar is full. You’ll be amazed at how fast this adds up.)
Lent, Holy Week and Easter present us with ample opportunities to worship Christ in a beautiful setting with candles, incense, hymns, kneeling and formal prayers. Because we human beings are drawn to pageantry and show, these things can help feel closer to God. But Lent is much, much more than religious drama. Correctly observed, it is also a time of simple piety, when we through everyday acts increase our efforts to emulate Jesus, and in doing so to give meaning to his death and glorious resurrection.
posted by Scott Cooper | 11:20 PM
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