Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 2, 2006, at 10:57:10
In reply to Ash Wednesday, posted by 10derHeart on March 2, 2006, at 0:18:10
10derHeart,
Thank you for sharing that psalm. I remember singing it in Church.
Create in me a clean heart oh God. Wash me 'till I'm whiter than snow. Create a new and right spirit within me.
It's incredible, but these sentiments are said and experienced in many faiths. We all celebrate cycles.
For many Christians, Easter is the beginning of the year. The resurrection of Christ.Easter celebrates the rebirth. The return of Christ from the dead.
For Pagans, the world is reborn. It is a time of fertility; that is why the rabbit is so remembered during the time of Easter. The world springs anew with life.
It is also a time of renewed energy, a time to recognize what we want to cultivate within us, with the help of Deity. Psalm 51 puts it well. (I disagree with the part of being born with iniquity though.) It is a time to be washed clean and to re-dedicate our lives, and to sew within us what fruit we wish to bear.
So Christians celebrate throughout the year, the birth, ministry, and sacrifice and resurrection of their God.
Pagans celebrate the birth, death and rebirth of their God, along with the cycle of Maiden, mother and crone of the Goddess.
So, even more than commonality among different Christian faiths, there is also some commonality between what outwardly seem to be vastly differing faith families (Pagans and Christians).
I wish you a time of cleansing during this period of lent. I wish you joy when you celebrate your Savior's resurrection.
Many blessings,
--Dee
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:614876
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20051105/msgs/614957.html