Lent is a
season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday
(today) and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means
"spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the
wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his
ministry.
Lent is a time
of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time
of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to
prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship
with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of
themselves for others.
Sundays in Lent are not
counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a
"mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful
anticipation of the Resurrection.
(click here to sign up for a 40 day devotional you can receive via e-mail)
Joel 2:12-13
That is why the Lord says,
"Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish."
"Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish."
HOPE everybody has an awesomely blessed Wednesday!
Being raised, for the most part, in South Louisiana I can remember how important Lent was to the Cajun Catholics. Even as a child I can remember my friends talking about what they would give up for lent. It always had to be something they loved to do or something they loved to eat! Something important to them. I was very young and very impressed with how devout this culture was. Being Baptist, we didn't fast, I don't know why that was, we sure should have. Have a wonderful Wednesday! Love Ya
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Very good things to consider here.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! I'm sitting here with my purple scarf around my neck, and ashes on my forehead. I love the rhythm of prayer in Lent, and the reminder to pull back and renew myself in His grace. I feel very blessed to have this tradition of Lent. I need the gentle nudge to get me back on the right track.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day,
Ceil
A minister to the sick brought us ashes in the hospital today! It was such a blessing. The most holy time for Christians. Beautiful post.
ReplyDelete