Lent
This week we enter the season of Lent. Lent is 40 days long
(not counting Sundays), and goes from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The 40 days
corresponds with the period of time Jesus was tempted by Satan in the
wilderness. It is a time of fasting and repentance that focuses on Jesus’ work
to rescue us from sin and death.
The word Lent itself has not particular churchy meaning. It
seems to come from Old English and means, “Spring,” as in the season. This, of
course, simply corresponds to the time of year Lent takes place.
The Scripture readings for Lent are (generally) thematically
related to one another. There is usually strong correspondence between the Old
Testament lessons and the Gospel readings. The epistle readings, all of which
come from Paul’s letters, often match one or both of the other readings in
their themes. Look for the way the readings, week by week, tell the story of
God’s salvation.
Lent emphasizes the passion and death parts of Jesus’
ministry. In response to Jesus’ suffering and death, his people heed his call
to repentance. This often takes the form of some sort of fast – abstaining from
food and drink, or some variation on that activity. This is where the habit of
giving something up for Lent comes from. Unlike the way some modern Christians
often participate in this “giving up,” which seems to be more of an endurance
test than a spiritual exercise, the idea of giving something up is to
inconvenience yourself and make yourself uncomfortable so that the
inconvenience and discomfort drive you to consider your sins and to pray.
There is no command fast, but it is commended as a good and healthy
practice by theologians and some medical professionals – particularly when it
is done for the right reasons and in a healthy way. Jesus commended fasting and
seemed to assume that his disciples would fast. (See Matt. 6:16-18 and Matt.
9:14-15.) If you would like to dig more deeply into the topic of fasting, and
even to try it out as a spiritual exercise there are some helpful articles
linked below. Keep in mind, however, that the purpose of fasting is to lead
into repentance and prayer – not merely the health benefits one might receive.
(Depending upon your health, is may be advisable to talk to your doctor before
going on a fast.)
Lent is a great time to examine our lives, to spend extra
time meditating on Jesus’ passion, to humble ourselves in repentance, and to
grow in our appreciation of the salvation Jesus won for us.
Here are some links to articles on fasting:
Fasting:
Some Practical Guidelines by Matt Erickson
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