The Wesleyan Way

John 2:13-22 in the Common English Bible (CEB) reads: It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out of the temple, including the cattle and the sheep. He scattered the coins and overturned the tables of those who exchanged currency. He said to the dove sellers, "Get these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a place of business." His disciples remembered that it is written, Passion for your house consumes me . Then the Jewish leaders asked him, "By what authority are you doing these things? What miraculous sign will you show us?" Jesus answered, "Destroy this temple and in three days I'll raise it up." The Jewish leaders replied, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and you will raise it up in...

Lent is a season of 40 days (not counting Sundays). It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). This period of 40 days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan, and preparing to begin his ministry. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new believers for baptism. For us, it's a time of repenting, fasting, and preparing our hearts and lives for Easter. This is a time for us to reflect on and examine our relationship with Jesus. During this season, many Christians choose to give up something (time watching T.V. or chocolate) or to volunteer and give to others. Maybe you're wondering about the last part of the first sentence. Why aren't Sundays counted in Lent? Each Sunday represents a mini-Easter, so the solemn spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. Now, back to the talk of personal penitence and self-denial. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. M...