Pathway into Lent

So here we are.  It is Ash Wednesday.  The following tidbits about the origin of Ash Wednesday were gathered on the internet.  Ash Wednesday gets its name from early traditions in the Christian Church in Rome, when penitents and sinners would partake in a period of public penance. They were sprinkled with ashes and dressed in a sackcloth until they were reconciled with the community on Maundy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter.  Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head.  Thus, the liturgical use of ashes originated in the Old Testament times.

In a matter of days, I will be 79 years old.  Do not know when that happened, it came upon me with great speed, the rapidity of which would delight a child waiting for Christmas.  Things have changed since I was a child in parochial school, making my list of what I would give up for Lent.  On Ash Wednesday, we would all arrive in the morning with clean faces.  After morning mass every forehead bore a black ash cross, which was somehow smeared throughout the day.  By the time we were picked up from school it was a thin dark line above our eyebrows.  Some of the boldest, mostly eighth graders, actually wiped the ashes from their heads.  We were in awe of their brazen move.  The importance of the ancient practice was mostly lost on unsuspecting youngsters, hanging from the monkey bars, and flying high into the air on squeaky swings, on the playground at recess.  For a child Lent was not a favorite season at all.  Its redeeming quality rested in knowing that it would end with Easter, bunnies, candy, egg hunts, and springtime.  For an adult it is the glory of the journey, culminating in resurrection, not only the celebration of The Resurrection of Jesus, but the resurrection of ourselves after weeks of solemn searching for the truth, within.  I look forward to that again this season of Lent, and hope you do, too.  In a matter of weeks, we will all find something new, along the Pathway into Lent, which has been with us all the time, hidden from view, deep inside of me, and each of you.  Thank you for taking the journey through Lent with me.

          The reading I have chosen today is from Matthew 6:17-18

The Reading

February 14, 2024

“ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  Matthew 6:17-18

Pathway into Lent

Where did the word February come from? Since other months, like January, are named after Roman gods, one might naturally think February was named after the Roman god Februus. But, the word February comes from the Roman festival of purification called Februa, during which people were ritually washed.  (Britannica) It is also the month of Passover and Exodus.  (Wikipedia) And this fits our journey into Lent, during which we will be washing and purifying ourselves personally with each day that passes, with each step we take.  Before we step into Lent, fully, there is the passage through Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, which we celebrate today.  One of the fun facts found by searching the internet is that the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From there, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.  More facts from Wikipedia are, Mardi Gras also known as Shrove Tuesday is the final day of Carnival or Shrovetide before Ash Wednesday, reflecting the practice of the last night of consuming rich, fatty foods in preparation for the fasting season of Lent.  In the United Kingdom Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word shrive, meaning “to administer the sacrament of confession; to absolve. (Wikipedia)

It was fun finding facts to share about the beginnings days of Lent.  So, here we are.  It is Mardi Gras, a day to feast, dance, and celebrate the fruits of Earth before taking a spiritual journey, walking the path of Lent.  Today, I will be celebrating with my son, and his family, and a dear friend, who is currently visiting.  Our party will not be as loud and noisy as those in New Orleans, or other places around the globe, hosting official partying into the night.  But the day will be joyful, just the same.  And yes, there will be food involved, and perhaps a glass of wine or two.   My prayer for each of you is that you find a way to celebrate the joys of Earth today, be it with family, friends, or simply by yourself, for tomorrow brings us to Ash Wednesday, which will begin our walk together along the Pathway into Lent. Thank you for walking with me.

The reading I have chosen today is from Song of Songs 2:3-4

The Reading

February 13, 2024

“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.”  Song of Songs 2:3-4