Though I am not Catholic (or any other denomination that ritualistically practices lent), I can certainly appreciate the idea behind the sacramental ritual that takes place during the season of Lent. I’m beginning to find the idea of setting aside a time each year essentially to mourn over the sin the carnal nature a worthwhile practice. And although there is no Biblical basis for observance of Lent, and salvation and redemption by no means hinge on it’s participation, the past couple of years I’ve seen benefit to the practice — although I’ve often failed miserably in my sacrifices.
When regarding the soul’s helpless estate, I find a spirit of mourning to be an appropriate posture — it brings us into a place where we can express sorrow for our sin and willingly sacrifice something of our own lives in appreciation of the sacrifice that was made for ours.
I’m keeping my commitments for Lent secret this year; I just wanted to jot down some thoughts about the season and why I feel it’s important.
Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,
2 both low and high,
rich and poor alike:
3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
4 I will turn my ear to a proverb;
with the harp I will expound my riddle:5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
7 No one can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for them—
8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough—
9 so that they should live on forever
and not see decay.
10 For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses[b] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
they are like the beasts that perish.13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
14 They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.
15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself.
16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.
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