Of Lent and Ashes
Believe it or not, Lent is almost here. It seems as if it was just yesterday that Christians around the world had gathered in churches for Christmas Eve services. With the beginning of Lent we begin to look toward the holiest time of the year for our faith- the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. All four Gospels devote far more attention to Jesus' road to Jerusalem and the cross. Paul wrote that he "resolved to know nothing but Christ and him crucified."
If you're not familiar with Lent, it is the forty days leading up to Easter. The term "Lent" is not found in the Bible, but the broader church has observed it as a practice for over 1800 years. In the very early church, in the days when it was a persecuted faith, Easter was already the most important celebration of the church. From the earliest days, new believers were baptized on Easter Sunday. Those who had renounced their faith in the face of persecution, or who had for some other reason, become estranged from the community of faith, were welcomed back into the church. In either case, those to be baptized or welcomed back into the church spent a period of time in prayer, fasting, and study in preparation. This season was signified by the imposition of ashes, a emblem of penitence and mourning that is as old as scripture itself. Today, many churches are rediscovering the of baptizing people on Easter or welcoming new members that Sunday
Eventually, this period of preparation was established at forty days. This emerged as a matter of custom, but forty is far more than just a number. Jesus was in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Satan at the beginning of his ministry. In the Old Testament it rained forty days during the flood. Moses was on Mount Sinai/Horeb forty days. Israelites were in the wilderness forty years. Elijah fled into the wilderness for forty days on the way to Mt. Horeb to encounter the Lord, The ancient practice of the church is to begin Lent with a ritual of penitence and forgiveness. If you count the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter it comes out to more than forty. The reason is quite simple. Sundays don't count as part of Lent! Every Sunday is a "resurrection day," a celebration. To fast on Sunday isn't a sign of extra piety, but of misunderstanding that every Sunday worship service is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
Next Wednesday in my charge we'll begin our Lenten observance, as will Christians around the world. It is common for people to "give up something for Lent." This is a good and ancient practice, but let's remember why. The Lenten disciplines are intended to make us more aware of God, to focus our attention on him. I would encourage some form of fasting if one is physically able. Fasting one day a week is a great way to do it. One may give up meat, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks, etc. for Lent, but the purpose is always the same- a means of discipline to focus the mind on God. One can also "take on" something for Lent- letter writing, extra time in prayer, extra Bible reading, or extra acts of charity for example. Whatever your denominational heritage or faith tradition, undertake the time-honored practice of observing a holy Lent.
If you're not familiar with Lent, it is the forty days leading up to Easter. The term "Lent" is not found in the Bible, but the broader church has observed it as a practice for over 1800 years. In the very early church, in the days when it was a persecuted faith, Easter was already the most important celebration of the church. From the earliest days, new believers were baptized on Easter Sunday. Those who had renounced their faith in the face of persecution, or who had for some other reason, become estranged from the community of faith, were welcomed back into the church. In either case, those to be baptized or welcomed back into the church spent a period of time in prayer, fasting, and study in preparation. This season was signified by the imposition of ashes, a emblem of penitence and mourning that is as old as scripture itself. Today, many churches are rediscovering the of baptizing people on Easter or welcoming new members that Sunday
Eventually, this period of preparation was established at forty days. This emerged as a matter of custom, but forty is far more than just a number. Jesus was in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Satan at the beginning of his ministry. In the Old Testament it rained forty days during the flood. Moses was on Mount Sinai/Horeb forty days. Israelites were in the wilderness forty years. Elijah fled into the wilderness for forty days on the way to Mt. Horeb to encounter the Lord, The ancient practice of the church is to begin Lent with a ritual of penitence and forgiveness. If you count the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter it comes out to more than forty. The reason is quite simple. Sundays don't count as part of Lent! Every Sunday is a "resurrection day," a celebration. To fast on Sunday isn't a sign of extra piety, but of misunderstanding that every Sunday worship service is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
Next Wednesday in my charge we'll begin our Lenten observance, as will Christians around the world. It is common for people to "give up something for Lent." This is a good and ancient practice, but let's remember why. The Lenten disciplines are intended to make us more aware of God, to focus our attention on him. I would encourage some form of fasting if one is physically able. Fasting one day a week is a great way to do it. One may give up meat, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks, etc. for Lent, but the purpose is always the same- a means of discipline to focus the mind on God. One can also "take on" something for Lent- letter writing, extra time in prayer, extra Bible reading, or extra acts of charity for example. Whatever your denominational heritage or faith tradition, undertake the time-honored practice of observing a holy Lent.
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