With all the news coming from the Ukraine, I almost forgot that Lent is right around the corner. Do I focus my thoughts on Eastern Europe or do I go about my day as if Russia’s invasion will have little effect on me? I wonder what my father would say about those first few days Germany invaded Poland. I’m not sure about a lot of things right now, but what I am sure of is that to abandon Lent would be a huge mistake. Perhaps we need Lent more than ever this year.
To get us in the right mood I pass on a little history and thoughts about Shrove Tuesday from St. Peter’s in Charlotte. Be sure and set aside a little time these next few days to prepare and join us at The Pew for prayer, sacrifice, service, and study.
| “Shrove Tuesday (March 1) is the final day in the church calendar before we enter the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was the day that people prepared their homes and their lives for the penitential season to come. “Shrove” is derived from “shrive,” which refers to the practice of confession of sins typically practiced on this day in Europe during the Middle Ages. Over time, the traditions of the day evolved into a day of celebration (and sometimes revelry) as people indulged in the things that they are preparing to give up for the next six weeks of Lent. Christians would often clean out their kitchens to use up items like sugar, butter, eggs, and fat—all of which were commonly given up during Lent. In looking at this history, we can easily imagine why pancakes and other cakes became a common tradition for Shrove Tuesday. |
| Have pancakes for dinner Make or purchase a King Cake Make gumbo (a Shrove Tuesday tradition especially associated with New Orleans) Indulge one last time in whatever you are planning to give up for Lent Prepare your home for Lent by cleaning it and choosing a designated space for prayer If you haven’t already chosen a Lenten practice, spend time reflecting on what you might do this year that will help bring you closer to God |
Thankful I read this at the dawning of Shrove Tuesday. Yes, to forget Lent would be a terrible mistake. Perhaps now we need it more than ever.
God bless us all.
Thank you!