The day before Ash Wednesday—which is the official beginning of the Lenten season—goes by many different names: “Mardis Gras,” “Fat Tuesday” and “Shrove Tuesday.”
Regardless of what you call it, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz wants you to know he’s celebrating alongside you. In a message released Tuesday afternoon as his campaign prepares for results from the New Hampshire Primary, the Texas senator called Tuesday a day to enjoy God’s gifts joyfully.
“Today Christians across the country celebrate Fat Tuesday in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent,” he said. “It is a day to enjoy the gifts God has given us on this earth—and to do so with joy and gratitude.”
Cruz added that for many Christians, Ash Wednesday and Lent offered opportunities to reflect upon “Christ’s ultimate gift”—His sacrifice on the cross—and to offer a sacrifice of their own in remembrance of His suffering. He also said he hopes the upcoming Lenten season could serve as a period of healing.
“I hope that this season of Lent, especially during this Year of Mercy, brings much healing and reconciliation to all those who seek God with a humble heart,” he said. “May it be a time for us to hold close to the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14, ‘If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'”
