With the ending of Mardi Gras, many religious denominations observe Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday and covers a period of 40 days before Easter.  

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believers through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial.

This event, along with its pious customs, is observed by members in the Anglican, Calvinist, Lutheran, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches.  

Pre-Lenten festivals include Carnival celebrations that many cultures traditionally use as an opportunity for excess before Lent begins.

Some of the most famous are the New Orleans Mardi Gras, the Cologne Carnival, the Rio Carnival, and the Carnival of Venice, just to name a few.

As a practicing Catholic, I observed Ash Wednesday and for 40 days attempted to deprive myself of certain pleasures I enjoyed. I didn’t succeed very often, but I realize that my effort to sacrifice was meant to give me discipline in my life and focus on the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

At the time, I was a religious person, but not a Christian.

After being saved, I began to read the Bible and read that faith without works is dead.

My problem was that I was trying to please God with good works, not having the faith needed to be a Christian. The bottom line is that works without faith is in vain.   

The Bible teaches that God demands obedience rather than sacrifice.

Today, I know that faith without works is dead. Works followed by faith is a witness that Jesus is Lord of your life.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.