This year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. And if that isn’t awkward enough, Easter Sunday is on April 1st, April Fools’ Day! The last time this happened was in 1945. The next time it happens will be in the year 2029. So, I think I’ll save this newsletter article and use it again in 11 years! Ha!
Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn days of the church year, second only to Good Friday. It marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter. Traditionally it was the time for training new believers in the faith, which is why many churches observe Mid-Week Lenten services. Often times the Mid-Week Lenten series is aimed at an educational focus. This year Trinity will be reviewing the six chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism. Ash Wednesday, which is not really a festival day remembering some person or event in the Bible, focuses on “repentance.” That’s why we observe the imposition of ashes as an act of humble repentance. As mentioned, this year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day which may present a distraction. Even though Valentine’s Day was once observed as a commemoration of St. Valentine, today it has become more of a day of romance. Certainly it’s a good opportunity to express one’s love for family and friends, but it might be a little peculiar to attend an Ash Wednesday service and then go out to a romantic supper with a spouse or friend. Of course it could also remind us of God’s great love and faithfulness to us. We know that when we repent and ask for mercy and forgiveness, the Lord does love and forgive us. One suggestion I heard is that you might consider celebrating Valentine’s Day the day before (or some other day) and observe Ash Wednesday exclusively on February 14th. Whatever you decide to do, I urge you not to ignore Ash Wednesday and celebrate Valentine’s Day instead.
Easter Sunday falls on April 1st this year which is also April Fools’ day. While it sounds bad, I don’t think it really is all that big a problem. I don’t think people really observe April Fools’ day so much. Perhaps we might incorporate the two emphases and say, “Don’t be a fool! Easter is much more than bunnies and chocolate!” I know you know that, but you might be surprised at how many don’t. We used to talk about “C & E” people who only attend church on Christmas and Easter. Sadly, I don’t think there are too many “C & E” members anymore … they have become “Nevers”! Like Ash Wednesday, I urge you to attend the Easter worship and join in the praise of our victorious and risen Lord.”
This year Trinity is once again hosting one of the Mid-Week Lenten services of the West Seneca Community of Churches (WSCC). On March 21st at 7pm we have the opportunity to host and gather with fellow Christians from our West Seneca neighborhood. The theme for the WSCC Lenten series this year is “The Wideness of God’s Mercy.” Please join us on 3/21. God bless you and your Lenten journey to the cross and the empty tomb!
~ Pastor Dennis J. Krueger