Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, February 28, 2017                                   Psalm 99:9


Psalm 99:9       English Standard Version (ESV)

Exalt the Lord our God,
    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]




[1] The Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[2] Ibid
[3] Collect for Shrove Tuesday Web http://liturgy.co.nz/shrove-tuesday
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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