Epicenter Conversations

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and seems an especially appropriate day to begin our smoking cessation seminar. Lent is a 40 day (not including Sundays) build up to Easter -- a time to give up something we desire to remind us of our sinful state and provide opportunity to reflect on what the incarnation of Christ means to us. The Greek Orthodox church calls this the season of "Bright Sadness," as it is a time of both celebration and mourning. Lent serves to highlight the reality of our human existence in which we face darkness and suffering as well as joy and exultation. This season of shadow which inspires a longing for the brilliance of the resurrection resonates with our Adventist notion that things will get worse on this earth before they get better. Fasting of whatever type highlights our mortality and makes our presence in the eternal Kingdom of God all the more poignant. Those who choose to give up a cherished addiction can experience this dark time of withdrawal with our community for support, the promise of freedom to light the way, and the power of God to bring completion.

"Almighty God, you have created me out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to me a sign of my mortality and penitence, that I may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen" -- Book of Common Prayer.

Labels: Lent, religion, smoking