Roy’s Ramblings

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. The English word “Lent” comes from the Anglo–Saxon word lencten, which means “lengthen” and refers to the lengthening days of “spring.” In many other languages, the word used for this season refers to the 40-day length of the season or to the fasting that characterizes it. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter.

Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians. Holy Week is the final week of Lent, beginning with Passion/Palm Sunday and concluding with Holy Saturday. The Great Three Days—sometimes called the Triduum or Pasch—from sunset Holy Thursday through sunset Easter Day are the climax of Lent (and of the whole Christian year) and a bridge into the Easter Season.

These days proclaim the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. During these days, the community journeys with Jesus from the upper room, to the cross, to the tomb, and to the garden. They should be seen as a great unified service beginning with a service of Holy Communion on Holy Thursday and concluding with the services of Easter Day. Somber colors such as purple or ash gray and rough–textured cloth are most appropriate for paraments, stoles, and banners throughout Lent.

So how is your Fast? How is your preparation for the Highest holiest of Days? How is it with your Soul? These are hard days we are living … weather pattern changes … financial struggles … health issues … war … etc. – but even in the hardest of days/times there is still hope. Hope of peace and prosperity – hope of health and life – and especially the hope of resurrection and life eternal.

Continue on My Friends – and find Hope in this time and in this place.

Peace, Love, and Hope – Pastor Roy