Reflection on SHROVE TUESDAY
(Ash Wednesday Eve)
Table of the Word: James 1:12-18; Psalm 94:12-13a.14-15.18-19 (R. 12a); Mark 8:14-21.
Celebration for the day: Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with." This moveable feast is determined by Easter. The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word shrive, meaning "absolve."
As this is the last day of the Christian liturgical season historically known as carnival or Shrovetide, before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term Mardi Gras French for "Fat Tuesday", referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Many Christian congregations thus observe the day through eating pancakes or, more specifically, the holding of pancake breakfast, as well as the ringing of church bells to remind people to repent of their sins before the start of Lent.On Shrove Tuesday, churches also burn the palms distributed during the previous year's Palm Sunday liturgies to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.
In some Christian countries, especially those where the day is called Mardi Gras or a translation thereof, it is a carnival day, the last day of "fat eating" or "gorging" before the fasting period of Lent. (credit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
The Word: "...but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death." (see James 1:12-18)
Theme: Be disciplined.
Reflection:
Beloved in Christ by God's special grace we are rounding up the first part of Ordinary Time today, which is also referred to as "Shrove Tuesday"; a day set aside for preparation for the service of Ash Wednesday.
Today, the Church invites us to prepare ourselves to embark on this spiritual journey. In the light of this that St. James in today's first reading says:
"...but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death." (see James 1:12-18)
However, to drive home the message we are being called to exhibit discipline; because with it we can put under control or check our desires and excesses. As we are getting set to start this spiritual walk with the Lord let us joyfully accept every cross that will come our way devoid of complaim; rather present it to Him in prayer.
Finally, as we are burning the palms of last year Passion Sunday to be used tomorrow as part of Shrove Tuesday Exercises let us with joy burn out those weakness of ours through the sacramebt of reconciliation; so that we may be refilled by the Spirit and be part of the many who will on that Mother of all Nights sing the great Alleluia. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Almighty and eternal God, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. We appreciate the wonders of our being. As we begin this spiritual journey, grant us the grace to be faithful to Your Word and be ever conscious of Your detects and ordinances. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 13022024
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