In the ancient world, some of the most expensive fabrics were dyed purple. Not everybody could afford it - it was something precious, rich and rare.
During the season of Lent, the Church uses the Colour Purple to remind us (among other things) that some of our deepest treasures may be found during this time. But it will take some effort on our part. God gives us an extended period (40 days, that is to say, a long time) in which to do this "finding" - in which to be "found". Of course this Journey (with a capital "J") lasts a lifetime, but during this season of Lent, we intensify our efforts by falling more deeply into spiritual practices - holding at its heart, the promise of something precious, rich and rare.
Keep at your Practice with the gentle persistance of a stream of water.
More than just being rich and rare, as a religious colour it has also been known to symbolise suffering. Perhaps this too is relevant in Lent. A time where suffering occurs. In this time, we suffer (albeit silently)and from these struggles we grow. The most growth (spiritual and emotional) often occurs during times of struggle when we are forced to look deeper and consider things more carefully. Perhaps also significant is that purple also symbolises power - during Lent we are equipped or re-equipped with the power to cleanse and start anew. A very symbolic colour in this time we we re-devote ourselves to our Saviour.
ReplyDeleteYes! Fantastic. Thank you. In Buddhism, as you may know, the First Noble Truth is that life is "dukkha", roughly translated, "painful" or "suffering". I wouldn’t want to particularly associate Lent too much with suffering, rather abstinence, restraint... and like you say, from these things we grow (hence the green)... Thank you for your comments and interest. Every blessing to you and for your Lenten practices.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you are right in saying that Lent should not be associated with suffering, although struggles are quite pertinent during Lent. The inner battle to deal with Satans temptations are strongest during Lent and so restraint is important.
ReplyDeleteFurther, abstinence in is considered a virtue only when it serves the purpose of consecrating a life to a higher purpose - this is very true in Judaism and Islam (fasting/ abstinence from food and drink) and applicable during Lent.
And sex - I laugh out loud! Thank you for making these contributions!
ReplyDeleteHey Vincent! What's "very good"? and what must I see? LOL
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