A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Lent is Coming


For Christians, especially Catholics, Lent is a 40-day penitential period of prayer and fasting that precedes Easter. This is observed in memory of the 40 day fast of Jesus in the desert. Formerly a severe fast was prescribed: only one full meal a day was allowed, and meat, fish, eggs, and milk procucts were forbidden. Today, however, prayer and works of charity are emphasized. Lent has been observed since the 4th century.
In many countries, the last day before Lent, today, (called Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the solemnity of Lent. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat during Lent, which is why people call the festival, "Carnival", which is Latin for "farewell to Flesh (meat)".
This morning the "Church mice" will meet at the Church and start to get our Church ready for lent. The colors will change and wreaths will come off the doors. We won't have flowers in the Church until Easter. Violet is the color for the season. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday...our palms have been taken to Church to be burned, so that we will have ashes for the Priest to use tomorrow. This is a period of fasting and meditation. We receive little books with a meditation for each day. Joe and I take turns reading the little passage each morning at breakfast. We don't have to give up something for Lent, but I like to follow a strict tradition of, this year, giving up sugar. We are to meet at 10, so I have to get ready. Have a great day!
Balisha
PS...I'll have to make that heart shaped box of Valentine candy disappear...PRONTO!

3 comments:

Elenka said...

Have fun being a mouse in church! Even though technically mice are rodents, Church Mice are...well...different.

Tolentreasures said...

Funny comment on the chocolate! Eat fast. We don't do as much for lent at my church and it was very interesting to hear your traditions. The big change around our house for Lent...fish fries at the local Catholic church. They are the BEST!

Cathy

Gram said...

I love Lent. I was raised Baptist, who do not make a big deal of Lent, but married Lutheran. I love the emphasis on devotion and preparation.