Sunday, February 26, 2023

A Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent


 

Dear God, 
We know that every journey 
begins with a first step.
Be with us today
as we take another step
in our Lenten journey.

We began this journey
with the sign of ashes
on our foreheads,
reminding us
that this is no ordinary walk.

Today, we move one step nearer
to the promise of your light.
Today, with your help,
We will find new meaning
in the Easter that awaits us all.

Thank you, Lord.  AMEN.*


*Adapted from a prayer written by Ron Rolheiser, OMI from Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter Week, Liguori Publications, 2005.






 

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Ash Wednesday

 


With apologies for the short notice -- I was just advised (7:14 a.m., February 22, 2023) that there will be an Ash Wednesday Service in person at St. Cyprian's parish THIS MORNING at 11 a.m.

There will also be a Taize Service there on Friday evening, February 24, at 7:00 p.m.

May these bless your week.



Tuesday, February 21, 2023

A Reflection as Lent Approaches

 Who are we, really?




What's a 'Shrove'?

 

It's not.  That is, it's not a 'what', it's the past tense of 'to shrive', which means both to make a confession and to hear a confession.

Today is Shrove Tuesday -- observed by many Christian denominations in the Western faith traditions -- so-called because it's the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent -- the season leading up to Holy Week and culminating in Easter.

Since February 5th, which this year was the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, we've actually been in Shrovetide -- a time when Christians are meant to be pondering what sacrifices they might make during Lent, and planning what sort of feasting and fun they can have (think 'Carnaval' or 'Mardi Gras') before they enter the somber season of reflection and sacrifice, remembering Christ's time in the wilderness, fasting, praying and resisting temptations to break his fast (turn stones into bread), jump to his death, or grab the brass ring of power -- by giving in and worshipping that the false god we call Satan.

It's a time in the weeks before Lent where Christians can examine their lives, their behaviours and habits, make confessions to clergy -- and make amends, reconciling with others whom they might have offended or with whom they might have quarelled, as well as praying for God's help to live life as God would have them live.

Today we mark the end of Shrovetide with Shrove Tuesday -- a day to follow confession and absolution by feasting for one last time on that which we might decide to give up for Lent; hence the tradition of "Pancake Day" or "Fat Tuesday" (Mardi Gras), which involves indulgence in sweets and baked treats slathered with butter and syrup.

Churches also use Shrove Tuesday as a day to burn the palms from last year's Palm Sunday, creating the ashes for use in the Ash Wednesday service that follows.  

Perhaps, this evening, after we've eaten our pancakes and indulged in chocolate or pastries or a glass or two of our favourite tipples, we might pause one last time to thank our God for God's love, mercy, grace and blessings...and ask God to enable us to spend a holy Lent.

Almighty and everlasting God, you despise nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.  Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  AMEN.*


*The Collect for Ash Wednesday, from the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada (1985), p. 281.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Preparing for Lent

 

 Wednesday, February 22, 2023 is Ash Wednesday -- marking the beginning of Lent this year.  For those who may want to take some time during this Lenten Season, author Kate Bowler has written Lenten Devotional Guides that are available free of charge.

There's one for individual reading and reflection, one for small group study, and one for those preparing sermons or homilies during the next several weeks.


You can find all three of them AT THIS LINK -- and select any or all that might suit your practice.

May this bless your Lent.