Lenten Sundays

I was conflicted this morning. As I grabbed a soda (the thing I gave up for Lent), I sat down and was wondering if I should do a blog post today, as it, too, is a Lenten promise. However, then I questioned why Sundays are not included in the Lenten season. According to this guy, it is because Jesus arose on a Sunday. It would be sending mixed messages if we mourn our sins and take the day to fast (as is the reason for the Lent Season). Which makes me excited! Here's why.

As all of you guys observing Lent knows, Lent is to represent Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, fasting, resisting temptation of the Devil. In that, we mourn our sins and contemplate them and repent of them through this season. However, on Sundays, we remember Jesus rose again and we celebrate that our sins are saved by Him. That said, we take Sunday to celebrate the work Jesus did (and is doing) through us. Not to say we're taking the Sunday "off," but we are, instead, celebrating that we no longer have to suffer, for He gave the ultimate sacrifice and suffered for our sins. In forgiveness and love. Isn't that amazing? To know that God loves all of us so much that He sent his true son to live among us, inspire us, teach us, and die for us. I think it's beautiful.

So, this Sunday, as I drink my one soda, I celebrate that Jesus loves me and that through Him, I am loved and forgiven. What a beautiful gift it is.

I love this picture because it depicts Jesus truly happy and joyful. Not that stoic kind of too-good-to-be-human-and-show-emotions Jesus we see in a lot of early art.

Happy first Sunday of Lent!

Woo!
Mary Taylor