Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Valentines Day!
Easter comes early this year. Because of this, this next week is filled with "Holidays". Tuesday is Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday in French. This is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday when folks would binge on rich foods before the season of Lent begins. Lent is the 40 days before Easter. It is symbolic of the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying in preparation for his ministry. Many folks will "give up" something for the next 40 days. As they practice this discipline, they are to think about and be thankful and focus on their relationship with Christ.
Wednesday is also Valentine's Day. Most of us believe that Hallmark started this holiday. However, it is a holiday that the Catholic Church recognizes three different saints named Valentine. Stories of Saint Valentine include healing a child while imprisoned, performing weddings against the will of Emperor Claudius II. He felt single men make better soldiers, so marriage for young men was outlawed. Stories also suggest that Valentine helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. We do know that all of the "Saint Valentines" died a martyr by being decapitated by Emperor Cladius. Isn't it interesting that our Holiday that focuses on relationships and love, got its beginning by honoring someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice in showing love - his life. (Personally, I think the greatest Holiday of Love is Easter.)
As Lent begins this week have you thought about giving anything up. I am once again this year giving up eating liver. (Which I do every year - and it is easy because I DO not eat liver). Seriously, here are a few ideas of things to think about giving up: Commenting on Social Media, Road Rage, Ignoring your health, Too much Screen Time, Using your phone while driving, Yelling at others, Gossiping, Swearing, Binge watching, and Eating various unhealthy foods. (Patti gave up sodas one year during Lent several years ago and has never gone back to them.)
Pope Francis suggest several practical things to "fast from" or give up:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
However you celebrate this week, I pray that it gives you focus, discipline, and desire to spend more time with the Creator of Love, unconditional, perfect, pure love - Jesus Christ. John gives us the definition of Love. 1 John 4:8. "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him". May we all strive this season to become better, effective, World changing, Lovers. Let us follow the example of our Heavenly Father, loving constantly and unconditionally.
Sunday is an exciting day. We will continue our look in the Letter from James. Following Worship we will fellowship and break bread together at our "Soup-er Bowl " Potluck. Also, don't forget that we are collecting cans of soup for GraceWorks as well. Our goal is 65, but I think we can beat that. I hope to see you on Sunday. And always...
Remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in 2024"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)