Ash Wednesday and the Start of Lent

Liz Henderson--Program Team Assistant

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day season of Lent.  Lent gives us the chance to fast, reflect and meditate on our own sin and weakness.  It gives us opportunity to abstain from some things while engaging in other things so that as we starve the body, we feed the soul.  As that happens we are more able to grasp the significance of the crucifixion, and by extension we increase our longing for the Resurrection.

Many Christians choose to fast from something during Lent:  chocolate, desserts, coffee, soda, watching TV, using Facebook, playing video games, watching movies, etc.  Whether or not you choose to fast during Lent, the purpose is to spend increased time with the Lord.

Joel 2:12-14 says, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.  Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.

The season of Lent encourages us to return to the Lord and to give our hearts more fully to him.  During Lent, some of the HoneyRock staff are reading through the entire New Testament. 
If you would like to join them and want a copy of the reading schedule, you
can email me. 

"O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition and idle talking give me not.  But rather a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love bestow upon me thy servant.  Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failing and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages.  Amen." 

Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian