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PASTOR'S PONDERING

Do you ever wonder how certain words and expressions come about? In Britain, the hood of a car is the bonnet, while the trunk is the boot. Why are groups of various birds called different things, like a flock of geese, but a parliament of owls?

I was thinking about the word Lent. It, too, seems a bit odd. It can be the past tense of loan. Of course, we know that isn't the meaning of this 40 day time period of preparation for the cross and resurrection of Jesus. We anticipate the celebration of Christ's victory over sin, death and the power of the devil.

I assumed that, like many religious words, it probably came from Latin, but I was wrong. It comes from an old English word that means lengthen, referring to spring and increasing hours of daylight, symbolizing the light of Christ. Author, C.S. Lewis, called Lent a season of a kind of “happiness and wonder that makes you serious.”

Think about it. When we consider all God in Christ has done for us, who are so undeserving, it is amazing, but it does make you serious.

Lent is not simply a time to give up chocolate or ice cream. Instead of giving up, let us give ourselves over to the One who gave all for us and all the world.

May we have a prayerful and joyous Lent.

Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your most gracious favor,

and extend to us your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen (Evangelical Lutheran Worship).

Resources

Crosswalk.com

Gospelinlife.com

March 2024

Church Mouse

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Pastor Ivy Gauvin