Ash Wednesday marks the start of a 40 days journey with Jesus. In the Church this is what we call the "Lenten Season". Following the 40 days of Jesus experienced in the desert after he was baptized by John the Baptist. There after, the start of Jesus public life. In 40 days Jesus did fast and pray, he was also tempted by the devil...and test his being " a man yet the Son of God". In an ordinary layman's understanding... this is the time that we can noticed in every Catholic churches... the colored Purple or Violet linen clothe of the altar table and the tabernacle, a very simple style in preparing for the Holy Mass.. no flowers.. and omitting the singing of the Alleluia before the Gospel reading. I remember the colored purple or violet that we used during the advent season -- the 3 candles of the Advent wreath. The purple or violet colored symbolizes Repentance. According to what I read it is also a Royal Color for a King. Yes indeed, the center of this occasion and celebration is -- Jesus Christ - the King of Kings !. so this is the time for us to recollect , reflect and do some acts of good service to the church and to others... Pray, Fast and Alms giving. A detour from our usual way of life...Here the focus is ourselves... our spiritual life.. A Journey of our Faith to God. Within forty (40) days we will walk hand and hand with our church through the different activities leading towards the roots of Faith Experience with God. from Ash Wednesday,...Palm Sunday.. to the Holy week celebration ... and to the ultimate peak of the 40 days journey the "Death of Jesus on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
No comments:
Post a Comment