Headed to the Cross

Today is Lent, also known as Ash Wednesday. For many, it is the day to recover from Mardi Gras. However, it seems that many people are excited about Mardi Gras, but they want to skip Lent. On a local news broadcast, they were announcing the events of the week. They made a big deal about Fat Tuesday but didn't even mention Lent.

On the Liturgical calendar, Lent is the major event of the year and is of far greater significance than Mardi Gras. Many churches discard the Liturgical Calendar regarding it as a Catholic thing. There are, however, many Protestants that use the Liturgical Calendar, and the Calendar can be a useful tool for the development of Spiritual disciplines.

Lent is an opportunity to think intentionally about Easter. The cross was not an accident but was the plan of God for the redemption of mankind. The first sign in the Gospel of John is the miracle at the wedding in Cana. Mary, the mother of Jesus, asks Jesus to help with the wedding. In John 2:4, Jesus responds, "My hour has not yet come." Throughout John, the term "hour" pops up in different places. Hour is a reference to the cross, and the Gospel of John is on a trajectory to the cross. Jesus was aware of the hour, and that guided his revelation to the world.

Christians are supposed to celebrate the Resurrection every Sunday, but there is a special emphasis on celebrating the Resurrection at Easter. As we approach Easter, we need to reflect on our need for the cross and the impact that it has on our life. Even though many of us do not follow the Liturgical Calendar, we should use this as a time to prepare our minds and hearts for Easter. In doing so, we will also increase our spiritual disciplines and our walk as disciples.