The Christian season of Lent is here.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, continues for 40 days – not counting Sundays (Little Easters) – and goes through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
Lent comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word, meaning “lengthening.” As we move from the winter months to spring, the days grow longer or “lengthen.”
The 40 days represents the period Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. After his baptism by John, Jesus entered the wilderness to fast and pray, as he prepared for the beginning of his ministry. Satan tempted him powerfully three times, seeking to compromise his mission with false promises of power. Each time, Jesus stood strong and rebuked Satan – and not getting anywhere fast, Satan finally gave up for a more opportune time.
The author of Hebrews (2:18) reminds us, “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (NRSV)
Historically, Lent began as a time for new converts to prepare for baptism and soon became a time for all Christians to enter into a time of self-examination, through prayer and penance. One tradition of Lent is to give up something and forfeit pleasures as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
In the Middle Ages, eggs, dairy products and meat were abstained from. The tradition is to go without meals (fasting) or limit the amount of food or certain foods. Today, I know people will give up fast food, soft drinks, social media, browsing the internet or watching television.
The hope is to understand and live the words of Christ, “It is written, One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NRSV).
Another Lenten tradition is to do works of charity by volunteering or giving money to help other. One church I served gave each family coin folders that had forty slots to put quarters in, one for each day. On Easter, you turned in your folder with ten dollars of quarters and the offering went to missions. I found out a full-coin folder weights more that you would imagine.
Most people – religious or not – experience times of spiritual journeys. This season of Lent is a good time to examine yourself and ask what you could change within your life to live in harmony with self and humanity.
Lent is a good time to give up those attitudes that cause harm and injuries to others.
The Book of Common Prayer is used by many Christians for daily devotions and morning and evening prayers. Here is a prayer for Lent I hope you use throughout these 40 days:
Almighty God, your blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan.
Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations.
And, as you know the weakness of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save;
Through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.