Lent is the fourth season of the Christian year. Its length is the 40 days preceding Easter Day, not counting Sundays. This means Lent always begins on a Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday.
Lent commemorates Jesus’ fast and temptation in the wilderness of Judea Province, which, according to the Gospel, lasted 40 days. Just as Jesus confronted his temptations during these 40 days, Lent helps Christians focus on our most basic need as sinners: forgiveness.
The only way our Lord’s forgiving power can become effective in our lives is by our taking the initiative to confront our sins, confess them and repent of them. In short, Lent is a season of penitence.
Some Christians fast during Lent. This denial of bodily comforts can help encourage self-reflection about the need for Jesus’ forgiveness.
Thinking of Lent
Advent prepares us for Christ’s birth; Lent prepares us for the glorious act of Christ’s resurrection. Churches have special services during the weeks of Lent, but it’s what each of us does regarding our spiritual life that makes Lent most meaningful.
Lent is a good time to read, study and inwardly digest the four gospels. (The word gospel means “good news.”).
Lent offers time for growth
Many of us know our IQ (intelligence quotient), but what about our SQ (spiritual quotient)?
Lent is a good time to think about the quality of your spiritual life. Do you think about God often … or rarely? Do you pray often … or occasionally? How well do you know the Bible? The Commandments? The Beatitudes? The lives of biblical heroes and heroines?
During Lent, commit to spending more time in prayer. Also consider selecting a book of the Bible or a particular Bible character to study in-depth during this period.
Some people give up particular items or habits during Lent. If used wisely, this discipline can help you abandon things that have been interfering with your relationship with God.
The Season of Lent: Making Sense of the Cross |
 This year’s Wednesday evening Lenten services will focus upon the cross. My thoughts will come primarily from a book by David Lose called Making Sense of the Cross. I invite you to purchase his book and read along with me.This year’s Wednesday evening Lenten services will focus upon the cross. My thoughts will come primarily from a book by David Lose called Making Sense of the Cross. I invite you to purchase his book and read along with me.The cross has had many different meanings and uses by the Christian church over the centuries. Teachers of the faith have discussed for ages what was its purpose, why did God choose this way of dying, should we follow the same path, and many, many more questions.Lose suggested developing an understanding of the cross shapes how we think about God, grace, redemption, etc. This adventure into the word of God should prove to be very fruitful to our spiritual lives and give us a deeper meaning into God’s love for us.
The beginning of my reflections will start on Ash Wednesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. The following five Wednesdays (February 29, March 7, 14, 21, and 28) at 7 p.m. we will continue our Lenten services. I hope that you will join me and others as we explore the deep wonders and mysteries of our beautiful faith together. |