Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
In recent years, many Pentecostals started a new tradition – beginning the new year with a twenty-one day fast. Long before this became a common practice, I was introduced to Lent, the practice of fasting 40 days in solidarity with Jesus’ journey towards the cross. Continue reading “Is there a place for Lent in Pentecostalism?”
As a child I thought Ash Wednesday was part of the anti-smoking campaign of the government. Pentecostals didn’t observe Lent, but every year I noticed “Ash Wednesday” on the calendar. It was during this time that the government began to encourage people to quit smoking. So, in my childlike mind ash corresponded to cigarettes.
Continue reading “Ash Wednesday is Not about Smoking”
The Lenten season lasts forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday. Forty is a number that is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition. For forty days and nights as the rains fell upon the earth, the future of humanity, and of all life on the earth, was protected within the confines of the ark of Noah. The inhabitants of the ark remained for forty more days as they waited for the flood waters to recede.
Continue reading “Forty Days with God”