NSFAQ (not so frequently asked questions) – learn more about our faith.
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. Keeping a Holy Lent is recognizing we sin, and sin separates us from God. Traditionally, intentional acts to help us keep a Holy Lent include prayer, fasting or abstinence and service. These voluntarily acts of devotion show our sorrow for sin. Here are just a few.
— “Giving up…” Some avoid sweets, others give up TV, some stop taking long showers. Giving up “luxuries” is a symbolic way to unite with Jesus’ sufferings on the cross and can enhance spiritual consciousness.
— “Acts of devotion…” Many participate in the Stations of the Cross, a devotional commemoration of Christ’s execution. Some attend church services on weekdays. Others take extra time in Bible study or prayer. Acts of devotion remind us that connecting with God takes time and effort.
— “Simplify and remove…” Worship space is often devoid of candles, flowers, and other devotional offerings (such as not using a the “A” word – “Alleluia”). Some also place crucifixes, religious statues, and other elaborate religious paraphernalia under a violet veil.
— “Abstain…” Some give up meat on Fridays to help focus on the humility of Jesus, who was willing to give up his flesh. Some deny themselves food for 24 hours. There are even some who abstain from using Facebook!
Most Lenten practices aren’t observed as widely as in the past, but keeping a Holy Lent doesn’t come from keeping traditions. To deal with any problem, we need to see that there is a problem. Lent reminds us to see we have a problem: sin. God’s blessing and grace is we don’t have to solve it (but we can try). God has already done that for us through Jesus.
Trinity Episcopal Church, Mineral Point 