Lent

Lent is the season penitence and self-discipline. It is the liturgical period in which we walk with Christ as he journeys to the cross and his ultimate death. Lent is a time of self-reflection in which we examine our lives, especially our shortcomings. It is a time of letting go and taking on – letting go of those things that cut us off from God, and taking on new spiritual disciplines that bring us closer. Lent is a season in which we strive to obtain a complete spiritual makeover.

We often think of Lent as the season of “giving up something.” Yet it is important to remember that Lent is also the liturgical season of fasting during the first forty days before Easter. During the early days the fast was quite strict. Only one meal a day was allowed and that was in the evening. Meat, fish and eggs were forbidden to eat.

Lent is generally a time of penance, by abstaining from festivities, almsgiving and by devoting more than usual to religious exercises. Interestingly Lent fell into disuse during the early 18^th century. It was revived by the Oxford movement of the late 18^th century.

Lent is an important season of preparation for us today, not only because of the coming of the Christ at Easter (the Resurrection), but spiritual renewal and revival as well.

I wish you all a most holy and blessed Lenten season.