- Christians Practice Spiritual Disciplines in Lent - abcdz2000
Lent begins on February 17, 2010 for the churches of Western Christianity. The start of Lent leads many to wonder about the meaning and purpose of Lent; this article will explore why Lent is essential to the Christian faith.
What is Lent
Lent is the forty days before Easter. The first day of Lent varies every year depending upon the date of Easter. During Lent, Christians reflect on Jesus’ life and ministry as they prepare for Easter, the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.
The forty days of Lent symbolize the days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). As Christians seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus, they, too, face their own humanity as they reflect on their relationship with Jesus and the role of sin in their lives.
Why Ash Wednesday Begins Lent
Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent. As Christians enter a spiritual wilderness during Lent, many traditions mark believers’ heads with ashes, a term called imposition of ashes, on Ash Wednesday.
These ashes symbolize the believers’ humanity and reliance on God for strength and support. Just as Jesus sought God’s help in the wilderness, believers are also encouraged to remember they are human and very much in need of God’s help, too.
How Christians Observe Lent
Many churches offer special Lenten suppers and education courses, that believers might strengthen their connection to God in the days before Easter. Many Christians mark Lent with special prayer, ritual, and a discipline, or spiritual practice specific to that individual. Popular spiritual disciplines may include Bible reading, prayer, and fasting.
Some Christians, particularly Roman Catholics and certain Episcopalians, will observe a fast of no meat on Fridays. Often, fish is the entrée of choice for Fridays during Lent. This practice has roots in a much older tradition where religious people would fast during the entire season of Lent, but the discipline was limited to Fridays for various reasons.
What to Give Up During Lent
Some Christians choose to give something up during Lent, as they believe this practice brings them closer to Jesus’ suffering in the wilderness. This discipline varies widely between individual Christians. Common items considered as a Lenten discipline may include giving up sugar, dessert, pop, or other items of indulgence. Giving up bad habits, such as cussing, drinking, or unhealthy patterns of relationships, are also popular options.
Other Christians may decide to do something good instead of give something up in honor of Jesus’ struggle during Lent. Volunteering at a homeless shelter, being compassionate to an enemy, or attending church regularly during Lent are examples of doing something good.
Sunday, a holy day, is seen as a break from the Lenten fast and time to rejoice in God’s power and glory. Some Christians choose to take a break from their fast on this day, while others may persist throughout the whole season of Lent, arguing that Jesus got no break from the wilderness on Sundays.
Ritual of Lent
Whether Christians choose to give up something for Lent or not, the season is a time for them to focus on Jesus’ suffering in the desert and grow, with Jesus, so that they might better understand and appreciate Jesus’ death and resurrection during Easter Week.
How Christians observe Lent can vary widely, but all share a desire to draw closer to Jesus in the days before Easter, honor his battle to overcome evil, and cleanse themselves of sin. Christians hope, by observing Lent in whatever way they choose, that they can better welcome Jesus into their hearts and lives this Easter and always.
To learn more about Easter Week, readers may also enjoy Good Friday Meaning and Purpose.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
