The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday when we traditionally have a worship service with the imposition of ashes in the sign of a cross. This begins a time of fasting and preparation for Easter. But today is the day before the season of Lent begins. It has many names, such as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, and even Pancake Day!
The name Shrove Tuesday is commonly associated with the Roman Catholic church and connects with the word “shrive,” which means “to present oneself for confession.” The name Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is often associated with parties and celebrations, a great feasting before the time of fasting. Pancakes have been swept into the pre-Lent tradition as a way of indulging in or using up many of the food ingredients that traditionally might not be used during the time of fasting and dietary restrictions during Lent.
I love to eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday! At my house, we eat pancakes regularly on Saturday mornings, and we have also had pancakes for breakfast on special occasions like the first day of school, birthdays, or holidays with different shapes or colors to celebrate. I enjoy many breakfast foods, and I even like having breakfast for dinner on occasion. Usually, when I have breakfast for dinner, it does not include eating pancakes. But there is something about this day that I actually crave eating pancakes for dinner! I cannot remember a time that I have not had pancakes for dinner on Shrove Tuesday. I have prepared pancakes at home, taken my kids out to dinner at a restaurant, or found a church or group that is celebrating Shrove Tuesday by serving pancakes. So, when the opportunity came up for our church to host a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, of course, I was in! It has become a great opportunity to involve our students and teach them the importance of this season.
I’ve been intrigued by this craving and desire that I have for pancakes on this day. It’s probably silly to some that I would have such an interest and love for this food item at this time. Even more so than a craving for something in the natural world like pancakes, I also think we all have a desire for something spiritual. This upcoming season of Lent is a time to lean into our spiritual cravings and even make a commitment to spiritual practices. If you’ve been longing for direction, take a deeper look into scripture. If you’ve been longing for community, come to worship, a class, or a study group. If you’ve been longing for peace, call out to him in prayer. We need God each and every day, but this is a special time to be intentional to give time and space to our spiritual needs. I truly believe that God’s goodness, presence, and love will satisfy all of our desires. So, I pray for all of us that this upcoming church season will be a time to draw closer to God and know his grace in our lives in a meaningful way.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry and Discipleship
