Shrove Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Psalm
99:9
Psalm 99:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Exalt
the Lord our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!
"Shrove" comes from the word shrive and refers to the absolution of a penitent’s sins. The
Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is sometimes called "Shrove Tuesday"
because of the custom of going to confession on that day, in preparation for
Lent. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a
way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting
season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer
food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: in many cultures, this
means no meat, dairy products, or eggs.
Despite the psalmist’s confidence
that God in all His holiness reigns, we see an ordinary world ruled by powers
and people who are too often distant from God’s ways and words. Yet the holy
Savior is present just as He was in the Most Holy Place when we, His people,
gather together to praise His holy name.[1]
God is in the business of restoring
His people. Our sins, our grief, and our sorrows, were laid on Jesus. The
judgment we deserved fell on him. The life of God’s own Son was “cut off.”
Then, on the third day, Christ rose from the dead to offer us the gift of eternal
life. He offers himself to you, and he says, I will restore you. The Psalmist
makes mention of this when he says, “He
restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3) A shepherd protects his sheep and keeps them
alive by his care. The Good Shepherd does even more. He cares for every human
need. Ultimately, Christ alone restores our soul as He sacrifices His life for
His sheep. (John 10:11) During our journey through Lent think of the ways God
is restoring you. What does it mean for you to be restored by God?
O Lord, You tabernacle in ordinary bread and wine, where Your holy body
and blood are given for our forgiveness. We see God’s holiness in Jesus, the
Holy one of God! Amen. [2]
God of infinite mercy, grant that we who know your compassion may rejoice in your forgiveness and
gladly forgive others who is alive with
you and the Holy Spirit, .[3]
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