Good Morning, Sweet Friend,
March 6th is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season.For the first few hundred years of church history baptism was generally practiced on what we now call Easter Sunday. Candidates for baptism would spend a period of preparation where they would fast, not shave, and in some cases not even bathe. While the exact length of this time varied (some say it was a few days, while other sources say 40 days), it would end at baptism, when the believer would be baptized, thus ending his fast. While the practice of giving up something during Lent is not required by any form of Christianity, voluntarily choosing something to give up for Lent can be a great spiritual discipline to help you grow in your faith as we prepare to live and proclaim the joy of the Risen Christ. Typically, we should recommit to prayer, fasting, and works of love. Here are some suggestions for you:
Prayer: Will you commit to turning off the tv for 30 minutes a day (the length of an average sitcom) and focus on prayer and meditation?
Fasting: Will you commit to a meatless Friday? Great for your health.
Works of Love: Will you commit to give up criticizing and complaining and instead speak only words of love?
Do the above suggestions sound to daunting to you? Christ gave his life for you. What will you do for Him? How committed to the Christian life are you? Pause and reflect!
Linda