Symbols are a powerful form of communication. Society is full of symbols for this reason…Church is full of symbolism, too. But that’s only true if we understand what the message is. In fact, in the absence of correct information the message of symbols can become obscured or even transformed into something entirely different.

Easter is the time we ponder Resurrection—and perhaps we think a bit about what’s next for us. Because of Jesus’s Victory over Death, and his Ascension 40 days later, we have faith that when we take our final breath that’s not the end for us, either. The Bible tells us this life is followed by eternal life with God in heaven. This gives us Hope that is beyond the reach of the world.

April 15 is Tax Day. This year that day finds itself in the middle of Holy Week…which is kind of ironic.

Dating back to at least 325ad, and the First Council of Nicaea. However, the formal canonization of Lent was preceded by local practices which varied from 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and the full 6 weeks we currently observe.