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Bishop Leo Michael, Bloom, flowers, Growth, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Lengthen, Lent, Spring, Spritual Growth, St. James Anglican Church, Strengthen
The word Lent stems from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “lengthening of days.” www.Biblegateway.com says:
Lent is the span of time in the church calendar that starts with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday commemorates the beginning of Jesus’ 40-day fasting and temptation in the desert, and Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from the grave after his crucifixion.
Lent, then, is generally observed as a time for Christians to reflect, repent, and pray as a way of preparing their hearts for Easter. It is commonly observed by many Christian denominations–Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and others–although not every Christian church or denomination does so.
Even though it’s cold and snow still covers the ground (at least here in Kansas City), the lengthening of days is happening. Daylight savings time begins this Sunday. Days should get warmer and longer, even though winter seems like it will never go away.
St. James Anglican Church, photo by Holly Michael
Even if we can’t see it now, there are stirrings in nature, small buds appearing, seeds preparing to burst into beautiful flowers.
Photo by Holly Michael
Like Spring, Lent should be a time of stirring, growth, a time to lengthen ourselves, to stretch ourselves to be better, more Christ-like.
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
During our Ash Wednesday service, Bishop Leo Michael, our pastor at St. James Anglican Church (who’s also my husband) said we shouldn’t boast about what we are going to give up for Lent because then we already get our reward. He advised to do these things in secret.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6
So, I’m not saying anything about my small sacrifices, but I will announce that I’m welcoming the season of Lent in order to strive toward becoming a better me.
Like seeds and tiny buds are stirring and growing, I hope, by Easter, to be strengthened, lengthened, and bloomed into someone a little more Christ like.
Photo by Holly Michael
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10
Have a blessed Lent Season!
Very good admonition, Holly.
Thanks Carole
Our minister said basically the same thing even referring to the imposition of ashes that personally (not telling others what to do) but he believed in removing the ashes prior to leaving the church.. so that it didn’t cause others to think that he was ‘holier than thou’ (my words but to that effect) etc. Diane
Hi Diane, I heard it say once, remove them if they are a source of bragging, leave them on if they are a source of embarrassment or something like that. But, I do think you should leave them on as a witness value. When Hindus go for puja, etc., they smear colors on their forehead. But, I don’t think we should brag about what we are giving up and make a big deal about it.
While I’m always interested to hear what people are giving up for Lent, I admire you doing it for your own personal improvement! Good for you, Holly. You’re truly a light on a hill.
I’ve given you an award. The “Dragon’s Loyalty Award.” Love what I’ve read so far over here!
Wow. Thanks Jeff
Holly, impressive post on the season of Lent. I appreciate the restraint of not sharing what we might be giving up. Pride is one of our biggest problems in today’s society, and a little humility gained will not hurt. 🙂
Thanks Holly. I come from a non-Lent observing tradition, but I notice that more and more Christians are talking about the value of this observance, which makes me want to learn more. Thanks for this basic background on the meaning of Lent.