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Dorothy Copus Brush What will you do on Ash Wednesday? Today many Christians around the world observed
Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday originated
in early Rome where the beginning of Lent came about the same
time as the rites of public penance for notorious sinners. This
ceremony was held on Wednesday for those sinners who admitted
they had strayed and wished to reconcile with the Christian community. In this somber service, the sinners were sprinkled
with ashes, dressed in sackcloth and instructed to stay apart
from the others. This penalty for their sinful ways continued
until Maundy Thursday when they were welcomed back into the fold. In the period between the eighth and 10th
centuries, this practice was gradually discontinued. It was replaced
with the custom of ashes being sprinkled on the heads of the
entire congregation and the clergy on that special day of Ash
Wednesday. Eventually this too was discontinued and ashes
were used to make a cross on the forehead during the service.
The palms that had been used the previous Palm Sunday were burned
to make the ashes. The next 40 days of Lent is humankind's opportunity
to think seriously about their lives. It is a time to reflect
and to examine the nooks and crannies of the soul and to do away
with anything that obstructs the path to a more meaningful way
of life. Those 40 days serve to remind us of Jesus
Christ's 40-day fast in the desert. Using that example, Lent,
from the very beginning, included strict rules on fasting. One
evening meal was allowed daily but meat, fish, eggs and butter
were forbidden. A 40-day fast is beyond my wildest comprehension.
In our state capital a day of fasting is being sponsored by an
organization called Nashville Table. On March 27 they hope the
city will be known as the "hungriest city in America"
because so many citizens will have pledged to fast on that day
and give the money they would have spent to help those who are
hungry. Former Mayor Phil Bredesen started Nashville
Table 10 years ago because he knew there were many hungry people
in the city. He also knew how much restaurant food went to waste.
Now it is collected and delivered to homeless shelters, soup
kitchens and other organizations that can make use of it. The co-chairman of this year's day of fasting
is H. Jackson Brown, the author of those little inspirational
books which started with Life's Little Instruction Book.
He said of the day, "It involves a personal sacrifice of
money and the discomfort that comes from going an entire day
without eating." He added, "We know, deep in our hearts,
that it is the willingness to sacrifice for others that not only
reveals character, but strengthens it." We all know groups here in Crossville that would appreciate a check for the amount we didn't spend on food for one day. It's something to think about. I also believe our bodies would benefit from a day of fasting. |