See The World Through Tina's Eyes: Ash Wednesday 2012

What's ON February?

Ash Wednesday falls on 22 February 2012 this year. The 40-days is a significance of the 40-days of fasting and prayer, which Jesus Christ observed before he began His ministry. For us, it's a month of remember His sacrificial for our sins. It is also our time to renew our spirit and life. Some of my friends (Non-Christians) have wished me "Happy Ash Wednesday", without knowing that it's not a celebration. So, I would like to write about "Ash Wednesday" for them.

Before get into the main topic, I would like to share this words, which touched my heart this afternoon. Let's learn something from this.

Bible Verse : I Chronicles 16 : 11-12 :

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, His miracles, and the judgements he pronounced.

Message : How do we worship God? Most of the time, we only pray to God, demanding for our needs and desires. We do not remember the good things He has done for us; We do not remember His wonders and miracles; We forget to praise His name and thank Him for His grace and mercy on us; The right way to worship God is, to be grateful to Him, thank Him for all what you have received already and then, let Him know your needs and desires.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Orthodox Easter. The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19 (Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went.) ;Esther 4:1 (When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.) ; Job 2:8 ( Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.) ; Daniel 9:3 ( So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.) ; and Matthew 11:21 (“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.).

What is LENT?

In the Christian liturgical calendar, Lent is the penitential period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Traditional Christian’s observances of Lent include fasting and penitence, both in preparation for Easter and as a way of spiritually “joining” Jesus with the fasting and meditation he did in the wilderness. For early Christians and for Eastern Orthodox Christians today the rules of fasting are strict: just one meal a day, in the evening, and no meat, fish, eggs, or butter is permitted.

Origin of the word, Lent

The name lent is a Germanic word originally used to refer to the spring season generally. Over time, it replaced the Latin quadragesima, which means “forty days.” Lent lasts forty days because, according to biblical accounts, Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days of fasting, meditation and reflection before beginning his ministry. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

What is the season of Lent REALLY about?

For many Christians, the season of Lent typically includes some kind of fasting. These fasts usually take the form of abstaining from all food throughout a given day or certain kinds of food for the duration of the forty-day season. In place of a food fast, some Christians commit to give up a pleasurable activity or dedicate themselves to charitable giving. Focus on prayer and devotions are also especially emphasized during Lent. But even though our Lord recommends and comments on the Lenten disciplines of fasting, alms-giving, and prayer in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1-18), these practices can become legalistic rituals that are centred inwardly on the self rather than outwardly on Christ. If during Lent Christians choose to give up something or rededicate themselves to helping those in need as a way to proclaim the salvation Christ has won for all by His suffering and death, then such activities are sacrifices that glorify God. However, it is essential to remember that nothing we do through self-denial or good works can ever earn the Lord's forgiveness or repay Him for what He accomplished for us. Lent is not about our giving up something to please God. Lent is about what Jesus Christ gave up to pay the penalty for the sins of the world -- His holy and innocent life.