LENTEN SEASON BEGINS

"... for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:19

Christians marked the beginning of Lent in various ways this week. Many churches held Ash Wednesday services for the imposition of ashes or began special Bible lessons for members.

Lent is a time of penance and preparation for Easter. It begins with Ash Wednesday and is observed as a time of spiritual discipline.

For many denominations, the 40 days of Lent, which excludes Sundays, are viewed as a time of sacrifice. For others it is a time to focus on drawing closer to God.

Lent is traditionally observed through spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting and helping others.

The Rev. Brendan Dempsey of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau encourages his congregation to focus more on the disciplines of the season. "Maybe there is something that they need to give up -- overeating or shopping. There are all kinds of things to give up and focus on the meaning of Lent."

For many Roman Catholics and Lutherans, Lent began on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes, a service where ashes are used to mark members' foreheads with the sign of the cross. The ashes come from the burning of the previous year's palm leaves used during Palm Sunday services.

Throughout church history ashes were used as a sign of mortality or mourning, but they also have a tie to baptisms. Ashes also were used as an abrasive, cleaning material.

"The ashes are a sign of mortality," Dempsey said. "It's a sign that life is transitory and we can't hang on to things."

While the ashes are symbolic of Christ's death and suffering, they are also a reminder of purification and a new life found in the resurrection.

The Rev. Jeffrey Sippy of Hanover Lutheran Church said the cross of ashes "reminds me that I belong to someone. I belong to Christ."

To help Christians focus on their relationship to Christ, many churches offer Bible studies during Lent.

Originally the holiday began as a period of study. Easter was the one of the few times of the year when new Christians were baptized into the church. Before baptism, they had to spend 40 days in preparation and study.

Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau began its Lent services Wednesday with a simple meal and lesson. Pastor Jim Caughlan stresses that members should add something to their spiritual life rather than give something up, said Ida Mae Jordan, church secretary.

But Lent isn't just the one season of the year when Christians are reminded of their commitment or should offer to sacrifice.

"It's not an isolated season," Sippy said. "Sometimes there is the misunderstanding that we aren't following a Christ-like life during the rest of the year. That's not the case at all, it's tied to Palm Sunday and every Sunday.

"If there is anything I would give up for Lent, I would want to give it up for the life, especially if it was a sin. If it was a gift or offering, I would give it up for all time, not just these 40 days."