A Time Called…Lent

Lent is the 40 day period of time between Ash Wednesday and Easter.  In the Roman Catholic tradition, many people see this period as a time of sacrifice and focus on personal guilt (“giving up” things for Lent).  But, Lent can also reveal the great blessings of being a Christian, by offering us a time set aside for both looking inward at our faith as well as opportunities to grow as a community in our faith.

Historical Roots of Lent

In the early church, Lent was a time of training and preparation for baptismal candidates at Easter. By the fourth century, it developed into a 40-day period, following the biblical pattern of 40 days or 40 years of preparation and anticipation.  The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Saturday.  In its early form, elements of penitence were included. Lent, in our tradition, is a time to re-examine and reaffirm our identity as people baptized into Christ’s body, the church.

Finding Meaning in the Tradition

Our baptism is a symbolic dying and rising with Christ. During Lent, we move with Christ towards these events in his life. Along the way the Spirit gives the opportunity for us to redirect and refocus our lives, and more fully realize our Christian identity. We recall where we are going and what it cost God for us to become resurrection people. We become open to the possibilities of new beginnings all around us. The season of Lent points us to Easter.

(Source:  The Presbyterian Church in Canada 2007 – used with permission)

We all have times when we feel closer to or more isolated from God.  This year, throughout the season of Lent, we will be exploring the theme of “The Burdens We Carry.”  Each week will focus on one of the burdens that can separate us from God as we move forward together towards Good Friday and Easter.