Lent is coming

Those of us who belong to the liturgical churches (Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Orthodox) live not only by the seasons of the weather, but also the seasons of the liturgy. One of those seasons is almost at hand - Lent. Lent is something most people, even non-Christians, have some familiarity with. You've heard the jokes about giving stuff up, and that is probably the impression you have of it.

It is one of the oldest observations of faith in Christendom. Long ago, as catechumens (converting students) approached Easter and the time that they would be brought into the church, they observed a 40 day fast of penance as the day approached, keeping in mind Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert. Soon the whole church community observed this fast in solidarity with the catechumens.

It is about more than giving stuff up, although that remains a very traditional discipline. It is also about focusing more on piety, and giving more of oneself as well. It begins with Ash Wednesday (the day after Mardi Gras) and a solemn service where we are annointed with ash (burned fronds from last year's palm sunday.) As the ashes go on our heads, we are told we are ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and to that we will return. Fortunately, our parish does this at night so that we can do this without public piety (mindful of the sermon on the mount.)

I am quite fond of lent, and not just for the increased solemnity and resplendent purple in the sanctuary, but as a reminder that life itself has seasons. As Solomon says there is a time for everything, including a "time to break down and a time to build up." Lent does both, for it is like the time without the bridegroom (Mark 2:20) - a darkened season in which we no longer sing Gloria or Alleluia, but a season in which the physical hunger of a fast parallels a symbolic hunger for Easter and the grace it represents. As Easter nears, that hunger deepens, but so does the sweet anticipation.

The power of Lent is so palpable that I have noticed non-liturgical churches picking it up. I've heard of even Baptists holding Ash Wednesday services. Easter and its profound message of renewal is so incredible when it comes on the heels of Lent. I can't tell you what joy it is to sit in the dark at the Easter vigil and wait for the candles to be lit and then the church lights blaze on in glory.

Unfortunately this year, we're going to be in Florida for Ash Wednesday, and we will miss it at our church. It will feel quite strange to begin Lent while on vacation, now that I think of it. :-)