(If that title doesn't grab you, nothing will! LOL!)
A dear blogger friend, Mary, has a very thought provoking post today (at least for me). It's about Lent - something I have never observed and something I have never studied. These are my thoughts on her post. In fact, below is the exact comment I left on her post. Can you tell I want you to go read her post first and then come back here? I'll wait. Go read her post.
**************MY COMMENT************************
Ok, since you put it out there... so will I. I have never observed Lent and have also felt that Catholics do a lot of unnecessary "rituals". We aren't commanded (that I can find in the Bible) to "do Lent" and from what I can tell it was something instituted by man for man. We have the Lord's Supper/communion to observed Christ's death as it is commanded for us to do so on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7, I believe).
But anyway... I digress. Why would we perform a "ritual" that wasn't commanded? But then after some thought, why WOULDN'T we? We make our own "rituals" for ourselves everyday to make things more of a habit (maybe saying a prayer at a certain time to make you remember to pray, maybe you have a habit of holding hands while you pray with your family - both of those are "habits/rituals" not instituted by God, but something man has decided to do). What's so wrong with observing a practice to help make a better habit (in this case the habit of remembering what Christ endured).
Please forgive my words of "habit" and "ritual" they are the best I could think of to describe my thoughts.
Ok, I've written so much now that I might as well do a post of my own. You've given me something to think about, Mary. Thank you. I have some praying, studying, and thinking to do.
I am very interested to hear what you (my handful of readers) think about Lent - especially my non-Catholic friends (but if you are Catholic, please jump in on the discussion, too, and set me straight if necessary). I hope this post does not come across negatively. I am ignorant in the practice of Lent and just sharing my thoughts as on "outsider" from what society has taught me about it. Like I said, there will be some praying, studying, and thinking on this one.
Is a religious habit a bad thing? Initially my thought is that as long as it isn't just a habit or ritual and something done with seriousness and observation and reflection to better my relationship with God, it couldn't be wrong. It could be beneficial.
Thoughts? Come now, don't be afraid...
11 comments:
Becky, I am a protestant, I was born into a catholic home, then at age 5 we left, becoming NonDenominational, then Baptist then non-denom., then Baptist again, then I (at age 12 joined the Methodist Church)without my parents, then they followed and they still attend, I got married and we left for my hubby's roots, the episcopal church...I LOVED IT!!! The liturgy (man-instituted ritual, to bring about contemplation of Holiness and Christ-like-minded-ness.) There is so much meaning and deep thought in 'going through the motions'...the episcopal church is alot like the catholic church, minus a few doctrinal issues. We say or pray the same liturgy, weekly and daily...for the most part. We left the episcopal church 4 years ago and now our hearts are totally consumed, (in a very different way) at the vineyard church, there we are trying to 'do the stuff' of Jesus and are very firmly rooted in scripture, but have little ritual/tradition there. We miss that and have created our own rituals/traditions at home, much based on the liturgy...
We also are part of an ecumenical community, www.yeslord.com, we are the minority, to an 80-85%/20-15% catholic/protestant ratio. My neighbors (in every direction) are VERY catholic, they went to ash wednesday service yesterday and walked around with soot on their forheads for the day...for humility, to live for Jesus, to show that they are not above the sacrifice that Jesus made for them.
It is a hard but blessed place to be in, we focus on Jesus.
Not going in the right direction here, sorry, but I just wanted to say I get you and Mary...
I also want to encourage you to make an appt. or talk on the phone to a priest, they don't bite and you can get pretty clear, godly answered to 'why they do what they do'...I think that a) it will bless your heart, b)you will be very surprised at some of the responses you get, and c)you will get a little more unity and understanding as to why your catholic bros and sisters do the things that they do....
Jesus was as Jewish as they come, even He celebrated passover but he bridged the gap, a perfect atonement for sin....but, we participate in such traditions, still, because well, He did and it is an excellent way to refocus your mind, heart and soul to His grace, mercy and love....
Love your post, have to stop typing my fingers hurt....
I think Lent can be a beautiful way to observe and honor Christ's sacrifice. Like so many other religious ideas, the observance of Lent has been made cheap in the eyes of many because we've seen it "celebrated" cheaply, often to the point of becoming a joke. I think that if you celebrate Lent, then do it honestly, joyously, with a reflective nature on Christ. And if you don't, that's okay too. But please don't "do Lent" to check some religious box with no effort or focus on Christ.
I can't believe you had the tornadoes so close to your house. You indeed were very blessed to have been spared. My sis lives in Tenn. and they have the sirens going off by them also.
I think that the "concept" of Lent is good, but as a Christian, I feel that I should be remembering Christ's sacrifice for me DAILY and striving to show my appreciation by living my life as a "sweet-smelling sacrifice" back every day. It shouldn't only be at a certain time every year--it should be a daily thing. Giving things up so we can remember Christ's death is really why I live the way I do--Christ asks me to live a separate holy life and it should be a habitual lifestyle, not a "required ceremony" of sorts. But like I said, the idea of focusing on it is not bad....
Mary's post was great. I left a rather long comment over there, so I'll keep it short here.
I do give up something for Lent, because it is a habit for me. I know that it symbolizes Christ give everything for us.
For me, it is not just a mindless habit that rolls around once a year, but it is a tradition that I've grown up with. That's why I do it. It's one of the things I really enjoy about the Catholic church. The sameness, the traditions and rituals of it, no matter how old I get, or how many years go by. That is meaningful to me.
I am not Catholic, but live in an area that is predominantly Catholic. I totally agree with Sarah on this. We should be living for Christ, by dying to ourselves and our selfish desires every day. To me, giving up something for Lent is kind of like a New Year's resolution ... you might succeed, you might not. And the thing is, that all the people that I have known in the past that have participated in Lent lived a very non-Christian daily life. I think God would rather you live for Him every day than give up Coke or chocolate for Lent.
As you know, I am not catholic. But, I too, have always loved the litergy and rituals that come with the Catholic faith. God is a God of order, obviously, creating many rhythms and repititions in our days and lives, cyclical events such as the seven days in a week, the rotation of the earth around the sun, etc. I think that rituals can deepen our relationship with Him, cause us to slow down and worship, etc. However, I think that when it becomes dangerous, is when we use rituals as a means of grace. That is, that we believe that by doing certain acts, we can be saved. Keeping a proper perspective that we are depraved and can only earn God's favor by His Son's death on the cross, rituals can be useful to remind us of that, and to point us to Him.
What I was trying to say is that we must be careful to not make it an "acts righteousness"...not use rituals to try and earn favor with God. We don't any anything but a contrite heart to approach the throne of grace!
I'll see your Lent post and raise you one.
BWA HAHAHAHA!
Just my way of saying I wrote another one. Loved the chats here.
There is no success or failure in Lent. There is no competition, no goal, no prize.
The symbolic suffering of fasting or "giving something up" is just that -- a symbol. It is, however, a window to the divine.
Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus retreated to the wilderness for 40 days. The devil tempted him mightily.
Each time that I am tempted to grab for the sugar bowl (my Lenten sacrifice is to abstain from adding sugar to tea and coffee) I am reminded of why I am doing this.
FYI: there are three aspects of Lenten devotion in the Catholic tradition -- fasting, alms giving, and prayer. "Giving something up" only touches that first point, but the other two are just as important.
Becky -- I love your final question about religious habit, and I realize that I have barely touched upon it in my response. I will answer it on my own blog within a week or so, and will make sure to email you since I know that you won't be checking the RSS feed :)
this is a little late, but here it goes,
We all need to stick to God's word.
God has already spoken on this matter, We can have faith in his promises, not our opinions.
Mark 7:7
They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' [ Isaiah 29:13]
Psalm 5:9
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.
1 Peter 3:10
For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
# Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
Romans 3:13
"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." [ Psalm 5:9] "The poison of vipers is on their lips." [ Psalm 140:3]
Acts 13:10
"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
Zechariah 10:2
The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Mark 12:38
And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 Timothy 3:6
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
AND FINALLY, (there is so much more, But I would have to post the entire bible LOL!)
Revelation 22:18 (
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Love in Christ
Mother Love
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