WHAT DOES LENT MEAN TO PROTESTANTS?

     In that season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) our Roman Catholic friends, if healthy, must abstain from meat and, on most days, eat only two meals. Protestants, however, voluntarily look to the season as an opportunity for spiritual growth. It’s a time not so much for giving UP as for giving TIME.

     Practicing simpler living. Joining in Bible study with the community of the faithful. Looking closely and prayerfully to Christ on his journey to his cross and resurrection.

     In fact, for centuries the Reformed (Swiss Presbyterian) city of Basel, rather mischievously, has celebrated its world-famous Carnival during the second week of Lent, just to prove to neighboring Roman Catholic cantons that Protestants are free so to do!

     Native son Karl Barth (1886-1968), most famous Protestant theologian of the 20th Century, who taught at the University of Basel after his banishment from Bonn University, Germany, for refusing to open classes with the Nazi salute, loved to encourage visiting American graduate students to join fully in Basler Fasnacht. With a twinkle in his eye he especially teased teetotal-ling Southern Baptist divinity students, urging them to march in the parades, that begin in torchlight at 4 a.m.!

     This year Lent starts early, Feb. 14. Come to the church at 6:30 p.m. for a pentential service that includes anointing with ashes for those who wish it. Then on the remaining Wednesdays, through March 21, come at 6 for supper, followed by Bible study in Luke, using the excellent Journey to Jerusalem: A Story of Jesus’ Last Days. Pick up a copy of this book, which has inspiring daily devotions, poems, and stories, starting with Ash Wednesday, for $10 (check made to New Hope Church, or cash).  Our Lenten pilgrimage will end with the start of Holy Week, March 27 (Passion/Palm Sunday), with special services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Day, April 1.