Journeying to Easter - Part 1Намуна

Pass the maple syrup please

I feel that Shrove Tuesday is one of those Christian traditions that, for some, has slowly drifted a little ‘off course’ over the years, not unlike Christmas, which, as we all know, is really about the birth of Christ and not about good ol’ Santa. Sadly, in an increasingly secular culture, the real headliner tends to get sidelined and slowly replaced by… well, don’t get me started! Let’s just say I don’t find any reindeer from the North Pole or goofy-looking rabbits with eggs in my Bible. Do you? No mention of pancakes either.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins – the 40-day period of prayer and fasting in the traditional Christian calendar that leads up to Easter. So, where do pancakes fit in?

Before the fasting, there was a custom of using up fatty foods on this day. Ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar must be out of the cupboard and down the throat before Lent starts. Hey, presto – pancakes. Over the years, chocolate has had a good run as well. Any excuse, I suppose.

Historically, Shrove Tuesday was the day Christians would go to confession to be absolved of sins. It was a time to reflect on one’s life, seek forgiveness, and prepare spiritually for the season ahead.

So, as we’re contemplating maple syrup or honey this year, let’s also contemplate God’s love shown to us through this season and reaching for His amazing forgiveness through Jesus.

Let’s try not to let the traditions get in the way of the actual truth.

Written by ROBBIE PARKIN