I was in a conversation last evening with an older gentleman. (Well, about my age. But considering this list of recipients, I thought I should make it clear he was the age of a college student's parents.) He claimed to be totally unaware of Lent. The issue arose when we noted that those planning to attend the Habitat Board meeting were invited to Grace Methodist's Pancake Supper.
"Have you ever heard of Shrove Tuesday?" "No."
"It is a time to use up all the leaven in your house." "We don't have 'leaven' in our house - we are (he named the church he attends)."
He had heard of Mardi Gras. "You mean that wild party in New Orleans?" "Well, there happens to be a party in New Orleans. That party happens because it is Mardi Gras."
Mardi Gras means "fat Tuesday." New Orleans is a city with deep Roman Catholic roots.
Shrove Tuesday is the way English speaking, Prostant Christians refer to the day. According to Wikipedia - The word shrove is the past participle of the English verb to shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and doing penance.
Shrove Tuesday is not an opportunity to party. Shrove Tuesday is a time to make our final preparations for Lent. We no longer removed all the leaven from our homes - we will continue to eat yeast bread - but we might not eat cake (associated with parties). The image of removing the leaven from the house reminds us to sweep away all that which might interfere with our Lenten Journey; all that might interfere with our Lenten discipline.
Make ready. Clear the pathway. Identify that which needs to change in your life as you begin the 40 days to come.
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