What is Lent? Ashes? Baptism? Fast and Abstinence? The Passion of the Lord? Giving things up? The answer is Baptism. The explanation is the origin of Lent is the final countdown for those who are preparing to enter the church through baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. The basic baptismal decision sets it all in motion, and that is why Lent revolves around baptism. For those that are fully initiated into the church, Lent revolves around baptism too. It is the final countdown as I prepare my baptismal commitment to Easter. I fast, pray and do good works right along with those preparing for Baptism, and full reception into the Church. I do it to support them, but also to prepare for the moment when I will put my hands into the baptismal water on Easter, and solemnly renew my basic commitment to walk in the footsteps of the Lord. Through that ritual gesture I reach deep inside myself and recommit myself to be the Lords disciple. This touches every part of my life. Everything. No footnotes, no asterisks, no fine print. One doesnt just stroll into church on Easter and do something powerful. That gesture takes thought, prayer and preparation. That is what Lent is for. ... Bishop Ken Untener (1937-2004) ...
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:25:53 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015