A Journey Called Lent

The season of Lent is unfolding, slowly moving us through the dreariness of a long cold winter toward signs of spring and new life. Lent is perhaps one of the least understood periods of the Christian calendar. While Lent is one of the major seasons of the liturgical calendar with a measured timeframe and faith focus, it also can be viewed as a journey, that is, a movement from one place to another. The journey begins with Ash Wednesday, when we are invited to begin a spiritual journey of self-examination which calls us to indentify our human faults and seek repentance. The journey continues as we examine Jesus’ life, teachings, and practice of spiritual disciplines. To learn more about Jesus and his walk of faith inspires us to become better than we are though God’s grace and love revealed in Jesus Christ. Herein lays the challenge for all who seek to be better disciples. It is not an easy or simple journey, for as we move though Lent we remember the story, his story, and the outcome of Good Friday.

Jesus taught us that life includes cross-bearing. If we are to engage in the journey faithfully, we must accept the disciplines, teachings and practices as the preferred way of life, even though at times we may experience pain, suffering and sorrow. However, our journey is not without hope. Jesus’ promise is one of companionship for the journey: “I will be with you always…” When we claim that promise, we are enabled to take the steps that lead to the cross and prepare to claim the joy of Easter.

Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. The liturgy for an Ash Wednesday service includes an invitation for Christ’s followers “to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.” The use of ashes in the form of a cross is the means of marking disciples for the journey and serves as a reminder of the continual call to repentance and reconciliation. This day marks the beginning of a forty-day spiritual journey toward Easter. Lent is a season for spiritual reflection and discernment in light of Jesus’ life, teachings and death. To fully participate in these experiences in a conscientious way leads one to more ably accept grace and a deeper commitment to faithful discipleship.

Identify the key words that characterize actions of this season. Then ask yourself, How many of these experiences will I undertake? May you respond to the invitation “to observe a holy Lent” so that you may be fully prepared to celebrate God’s greatest miracle and promise this Easter.