One Body - A Fragrant Aroma

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4: 4 - 6

Lent is a Teutonic (Germanic) word which originally meant spring, but in the liturgical Christian traditions came to be the name of the 40 weekdays (Monday - Saturday) leading up to Easter. The origins of Lent as a Christian tradition are not clear. Some believe the season was begun in some form by the Apostles. History does show that it evolved into its current 40 day form by the fifth century.

What is clear is that Lent is meant as a time for Believers to set-apart in preparation for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter.

Having participated in various Christian traditions, I know firsthand the different ways in which Lent is observed. I even have been in churches which do not recognize Lent. For me, Lent has become an opportunity to join with the worldwide body of Christ: ". . . so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" Romans 12:5.

In whatever way I choose to observe Lent, whatever I do or don't do, for however long, I am joining brothers and sisters in Christ, our prayers, fastings, and good works combining into a worldwide offering of sacrifice and praise.

As we serve God in this way, I believe He works in us individually and as a body to build us up in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, "manifesting through us the fragrant (sweet) aroma of the knowledge of God in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who a perishing;" 2 Corinthians 2: 14 - 15.

Ash Wednesday

"Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen" (from The Book of Common Prayer)

Today at the start of Lent, many Christians worldwide will receive ashes in the sign of the cross on their foreheads. I will not, as my schedule is full and I will not attend a formal service today. But on my own I am contemplating this Christian ritual and symbol, and for me it is not a fearful reminder of failure and death, but a joyful, positive reminder of my inheritance with Christ. Ash Wednesday is a reminder to me of grace, not works. I am free because, "God is able to keep me from falling, and to make me stand in his presence blameless with great joy." (Jude 24).

I am all too aware of how I continually fall short of the glory of God. And that is why Jude 24 is my life scripture. In faith, I give myself to God, and He works in me and through me and for me. He keeps me. "In my integrity (faith) you hold me fast, and shall set me before your face for ever." (Psalm 41:12)

This Tuesday night, the eve of Lent, I walked the Labyrinth at the Washington National Cathedral, my spirit dancing with the beautiful harp music, lifted in praise to God. In considering how I might observe Lent this year, I thought of a Lenten journal kept as a blog. In this way I can record my journey and share it with friends who themselves are seeking a deeper knowledge of Jesus the Christ. And so Silence Waits has been born. Please join me daily-- or as you are able -- to share in the building of faith and the giving of praise and glory to the Lord our God.