Shrove Tuesday
Jesus Healing the Blind Man / Eduourd Léon Edy-Legrand / Circa 1950
What’s Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday is actually the beginning of Lent, the day before Ash Wednesday. It was originally a time of relaxation before a long, more structured period of self-discipline.
Although it began as a relaxed festival with good food and games, it eventually turned into a self-indulgent period of gorging that in some parts of the world are called Carnival or Mardi Gras.
The word “shrove” comes from the word “shrive” which means “to absolve.” It was during this time of celebration that people would repent of their sins in order to receive absolution or forgiveness.
Since Lent is a time of penitence and abstinence, the day before Lent began is when those foods would be eaten up so that no food was wasted. These foods (such as meats, fats, eggs, and milk) would spoil after 40 days so they were consumed in a feast. That’s where the name Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French) comes from.
Morning meditation
Read Joel 2:1-2; 12-17. [Click to read]
Why are the people told to “rend your hearts and not your garments”?
Do you know the historical significance of rending garments?
How does this scripture help you prepare for this season of Lent?
Scripture Notes
The scripture passages included in the 40 Day Transformation follow the liturgical readings for the Lenten season. Take time each day to study and reflect on them.
Translations
Try different translations during this time. What do you notice between the translations? Consider NIRV for children (this is Sarah’s go-to translation 😉)
Questions
Each day will include unique questions to help your meditation but you can ask the following questions every day:
What stood out to me in this passage?
What does this passage tell me about God?
What does this passage tell me about people?
How should I live differently today because of this passage?
If you have children, encourage them to participate!
This Week’s Prayer
Lord, give me the Spirit of prayer—to pray in the Spirit through every situation. I will keep this in focus, so I am on alert, ready to pray fervently for the needs of my brothers and sisters. Help me be anxious for nothing, but in everything passionately pray with thanksgiving and make my requests known to You. And Your peace, which supersedes anything I can understand, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ. Make every prayer I pray effective and accomplish much!
Today’s motivation
“Everybody ends up somewhere in life. A few people end up somewhere on purpose. —Andy Stanley
Set Your Goals
Determine what the following daily habits will look like for you before you start tomorrow.
Emotional-Sacrifice
This habit is about sacrifice. Choose to give something up for all 40 days (i.e. Netflix; Facebook, etc.). It should be reasonable but not easy. Try giving up something that has a stronghold in your life. It should meet this definition of sacrifice:
sacrifice: giving up something you love for something you love more.
Mental - Almsgiving
This habit is about renewing your mind and the tradition of almsgiving. Every day, you will receive a motivational quote (check out the one above) to gain a new perspective on your life. In addition, determine an amount of money you will set aside each day to give away on Easter. Remember, giving away is the twin to giving up!
Tip: Create a generosity jar to collect the funds you set aside (or transfer it digitally each day)
Physical - Fasting
This is a two-sided habit as well.
First, choose a food related item to fast each day (like sugar, french fries or coffee).
Second, choose a physical activity goal for each day (for instance, walking for 10 minutes). Your goal will be to double your physical activity by the end of the 40 days. (for instance, day 1 - walk for 10 minutes, day 40 - walk for 20 minutes.)
share your goals with someone!
Do not go through this journey alone! Tell someone about your goals and invite them to journey with you for these 40 days. You’ll be glad you did!
Evening Prayer
Set an alarm for this evening so you remember to end your day with God.
Lord, as I begin my 40 days of transformation, I return to you with all my heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Teach me what that looks like. My heart is vulnerable and exposed as I return to You, my God, because I trust that You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. You hold back from sending trouble my way as I commit my life to You. Amen.