Beginning of the Lenten Season

Today marks the beginning of Lent - the season of penitence leading to Holy Week, which culminates in the majectic victory of Easter. And so begins another year celebrating the liturgical rhythm of the church, keeping the focus on Christ and him crucified.

The liturgical colors have changed to a royal purple in my parish and a black cloth will hang over our crucifix for the season . I took down the palm to burn last night so my pastor could mix the ashes with a bit of oil for today's Ash Wednesday service. Tonight I will help lead the service administering the ashes with the sober words, "Remember that you are from dust, and to dust you shall return."

One of the blessings of following the church calendar is that you get a full spectrum of emotions by following the life and ministry of Jesus that you do not normally find in broad evangelical circles which are just... tepid. Like life itself, there are ups and downs, laughter and tears, joy and suffering. This kind of worship just seems...well...real, earthy, and more importantly, true.