Lent -- A Re-examination

I haven't thought about Lent in years. Probably because the wacko church I once attended viewed it as a poor attempt at piety. But nevermind.

The Lenten season is something I plan on participating in this year. Simply because my new church does it. (Which sounds sort of impious, I guess...) But really, it's that I want to see what a sacrifice feels like for an extended period -- along with other Believers. And I'd like to examine how this process may (or may not) tune up our spiritual lives.

Now I've fasted before, but the longest I've gone is about 24 hours. It's eye-opening. You get to know a lot about your routine, your appetite, your will, and your prayer life. And while I don't plan on fasting for the entire 6 weeks, I do plan (like many others) to give up some things for a season.

As a child, I had only heard of Lent in passing. (It was something Catholics did.) But I felt in my heart it was a noble sacrifice, and something I should pay attention to. I don't know exactly why.

Lent is a forty-day period of penitence and prayer which begins on Ash Wednesday and prepares for the feast of Easter. It is a form of retreat for Christians preparing to celebrate the paschal mystery. It became a forty-day retreat during the seventh century to coincide with the forty days spent by Christ in the desert; before this Lent usually lasted only a week. Every Friday of Lent is a day of abstinence... Formerly a severe fast was prescribed: only one full meal a day was allowed, and meat, fish, eggs, and milk products were forbidden. Today, however, prayer and works of charity are emphasized... Penitential works are very important during Lent... Ash Wednesday is one of the greatest days of penitence... in preparation for celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians seek a change of heart during Lent in their relationship to God.

Set aside time. Seek the Master of Love in quietness. Winnow out the chaff in your life. Pare down. Think of it as Spring cleaning for your body and spirit. Be aligned with others who are doing the same. Strengthen the collective Body. Live with intention.
I like that.

Of course there are some for whom this does not resound. But I have always been a little drawn to liturgy. I see it as soft lines within which I may write my thoughts and aspirations. Yet many think of it as a cage. Whatever lights your fire. Liturgy done with a heart of gratitude and love trumps empty works in the flesh every time. You get what you give.

So I'll try it. I can live without some beloved things for 6 weeks. Except on Sundays. Then I'll live out the Sabbath as a festival day.
That part of the Lenten prescription speaks volumes about what I think is truly the Intention of the Sabbath. Not a day for asceticism and black tragedy, but rejoicing and feasting.
I'm excited.