Chaplain's Chat

Pancakes, Ash Wednesday and Lent

This week we have had a number of celebrations and activities, but what does it all mean?

What is Lent? Lent is the period of 40 days before Easter where Christian believers prepare their hearts and minds for this occasion – often by fasting, praying, reading the Bible and, in some traditions, carrying out good works and giving generously to those in need.

What about Ash Wednesday? The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday. This is recognised in some Christian traditions with a service involving the ‘Giving of Ashes’ with a cross being marked on the forehead using ashes (from burnt palm leaves). Ashes are an ancient sign of repentance, used to show that you are deeply sorry for the wrong things you have done. (In 1983 the day of Ash Wednesday coincided with a series of catastrophic bushfires in Victoria and South Australia).

Why do we eat pancakes? The pancakes traditionally came into it as a way for people to use up food items “banned” during their Lenten fast – including flour, eggs and milk. Many people still eat pancakes as a tradition on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent).

Traditions can be like that. We do things year after year without really knowing why we do it and what the significance is. This week at School, our students enjoyed eating pancakes. I am thankful for the work of our Year 6 and Year 12 Leaders, along with Primary parent helpers, to cook and serve pancakes for our students. Thanks also to Annie Pinson and her Year 12 class; Year 11 students, Isabelle and Leah; Lisa Clancy, Lisa McBurnie, Dean and John for their efforts and assistance.

On Wednesday we held Chapel Services with the ‘Giving of Ashes’ to recognise the first day of Lent.

If you would like to continue using this period before Easter as a time to prepare your hearts and mind, maybe you could consider one of the traditional practices of fasting, praying, reading the Bible or giving generously to the needs of others. Fasting is choosing to give something up for certain days or the whole of Lent. There are many needs that you could support locally or you may wish to give to the earthquake relief for Turkey and Syria through the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. To find out more and make an online donation CLICK HERE.

For ideas on reading the Bible and praying, here is a series designed for families with younger children or another for families with older children.

May you be blessed as you use these traditions to grow your faith in God and your impact in his world.