Love and Lent: Perfect Companions
By Monica C. Jones, Ph.D, 6th Espicopal District
This year, Lent begins on Valentine’s Day. Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance, reflection, and expression of our humble acceptance of imperfection in the eyes of God, is a sacred event. Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, is a secular event that presents an opportunity for us to share expressions of love and admiration for one another. The two annual occasions on the Christian church and Western culture calendars may have more in common than we would think.
Although February 14th may be more superficial compared to Ash Wednesday, there may be a deeper relevance and similarity between the two special days.
Unconditional Love
As we approach the altar to accept the disposition of ashes, we acknowledge our sinfulness, but not without the complete faith that the Lord loves us unconditionally. God accepts us as we are through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
Although everyone may not have the most sincere intent, the idea on February 14th is to demonstrate our love for one another and, hopefully, to accept each other despite our failings. In both instances, common elements exist within our relationship to the Lord and one another.
Forgiveness: We can expect forgiveness when we repent to the Lord for our sins. It is a part of our redemption in Jesus Christ. How sad our conditions would be if we did not have that assurance!
When we intentionally set aside a day to say, “I love you,” we position ourselves to forgive and to be forgiven. It is a perfect opportunity to expand what we might have considered a typical Valentine’s Day.
Release: As we pray and begin our journey during Lent, we can release those things in our memory and our past that have kept us burdened. Likewise, as we express our love for one another, we can release the mistakes of the past and look forward to a better tomorrow.
Revival: Through prayer and praise, our spirits are revived! Everyday, as we fast, meditate, pray, and worship, we can feel our most vulnerable spirits begin to heal. In the same way, our relationships can make positive changes. We can prayerfully look toward a stronger and more vital interaction as we leave our concerns in God’s hands.
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday may not seem to have too much in common, but I offer this thought to consider. Love does not have to have limits; it does not have to be restricted to just a romantic expression. Why not consider Ash Wednesday, the day of repentance and self-reflection, also as an opportunity to begin a new journey in love for one another? Why not allow it to be the first day that we commit to do more sharing, caring, and showing compassion for our neighbor? Perhaps the sacred and holy day can be the perfect companion to the secular holiday that is all about Love.
The Reverend Monica C. Jones, Ph.D., is Director of Christian Education and a member of the ministerial staff at Big Bethel in Atlanta.
