Posted on 03/06/2019 5:29:55 AM PST by nikos1121
First day of Lent.
What Does the Word ‘Lent’ Mean?
“‘Lent’ is a shortened version of the Old English word ‘lencten’, a word which simply means spring (in relation to the season). It is thought to have Germanic roots and seems likely to have been used to describe the season when the days began to lengthen, signifying new life and renewal. Over time, the word Lent came to be linked specifically to the Christian tradition of fasting before Easter, which always coincided with the spring.”
Who Celebrates Lent?
Both Catholics and Protestants celebrate Lent; Lent is more popular among Catholic believers, but the tradition is growing among evangelicals. According to a LifeWay Christian Research study:
• “Three-quarters of Americans (76 percent) say they don’t typically observe Lent, according to a new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research."
• "Catholics (61 percent) remain most likely to observe Lent, according to LifeWay’s survey. Protestants (20 percent) and those with evangelical beliefs (28 percent) are less likely."
• "Forty-three percent of those who attend church at least once a month observe Lent. That includes 82 percent of Catholics who regularly attend service as well as 30 percent of Protestants.”
Eastern Orthodox Christians also celebrate Lent but on a slightly different schedule. The BBC states,
“Both the eastern and western churches observe Lent but they count the 40 days differently. The western church excludes Sundays (which is celebrated as the day of Christ's resurrection) whereas the eastern church includes them.
The churches also start Lent on different days. Western churches start Lent on the 7th Wednesday before Easter Day (called Ash Wednesday). Eastern churches start Lent on the Monday of the 7th week before Easter and end it on the Friday 9 days before Easter. Eastern churches call this period the 'Great Lent'.”
In Advent, whether by the Church's purpose or by cultural influence, the penitential season is characterized by a gradual increase of light. In Lent, as we contemplate the wonderful acts of God we descend slowly into the darkness. If Advent is a climb into “the sunlit uplands.” Lent is spelunking ... and on Good Friday our lamps go out!
Yet all around us (in this hemisphere at least) light is increasing. We are aware of the darkness, but the darkness cannot overcome the light, as Holy John says.
Newman prays to be content with seeing only where to put his foot next. Climacus might say it is enough to see the next rung on the ladder.
Here is the temple and the altar of sacrifice. Now is an acceptable time. Today is the day of salvation.
This year I’ve decided to make a deal with my Church.
I’ll worry about not eating meat on Fridays, just as soon as you start to worry about not raping little boys and then lying about it.
Deal??
Can you add me to your ping list, please? Thanks :)
You’re #63
Good morning. I just realized that you wanted to be added to the Trump Ping List. I think I put you on the Daily Cryptogram list.
I very rarely ping anyone anymore on the Trump List, but if you’d like I can put you on there. It’s usually for his rallies, or some other things I think are special like Lent and other things related to our country.
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