Why Lent?

I grew up in faith communities that did not commemorate the historic seasons and rhythms of the Church.  So, Lent was not something I was familiar with at all until I began attending Presbyterian churches as an adult. 

And even then, the first couple of Presbyterian churches I attended weren't all that into seasons like Lent and Advent, only giving them lip service, but never really entering into them as a community.  

It wasn't until I attended seminary that I began to understand the breadth and width of the historical, liturgical seasons of the Church, and learned what they could mean to those who wanted to draw nearer to Christ through the traditions and liturgical seasons like Lent employ.  

The other day I came across this insightful quote from author Wendy M. Wright that resonated with me: 

“The liturgical year roots our faith. It grounds the invisible, animating our lives in the visible, tactile world. It is elemental. It drapes flesh on the skeletons of our too-ghostly religiosity. It connects heaven with earth, divine with human. It allows us to access the mysteries of our faith. In its feasts and fasts we taste and see God.” 

This profound insight highlights the importance of Lent, a season that calls us to engage with our spirituality in a way that is both tangible and transformative.

Lent offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, urging us to strip away distractions and focus on what truly matters. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—each practice designed to awaken our hearts to the divine presence in our lives. 

Wright’s quote truly encapsulates the essence of Lent as a season that bridges the gap between the divine and the human. 

We allow our faith's mysteries to manifest as we engage in this season's practices. Lent's rhythms—marked by sacrifice and celebration—enrich our spiritual journey. Through these ancient traditions, we can reclaim a faith that feels relevant in our daily lives, moving beyond mere ritual to genuine connection with God.

As we continue on this Lenten journey, let us commit to embracing these ancient rhythms of the church. Allowing ourselves to be captured by the season's spirit can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. 

In doing so, we are commemorating a historical tradition and opening our hearts to the transformative power of God’s love.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus invites us to show humility and vulnerability in this transformative journey, not to do things for show, or forced piety. He tells us, “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father.” (Matthew 6:17-18). 

When we adopt the mentality shared by Jesus, we can ensure our focus remains on our relationship with God, not impressing others.  

I challenge you to fully engage in this season—commit to fasting from distractions, increase your prayer life, and seek opportunities to serve others. 

Let this Lent be a time of profound reconnection to the roots of our faith, as we taste and see the goodness of God in both the joyous and challenging moments of our lives.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.