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It feels like there is a common misconception that certain seasons of the Christian year are reserved for some and not for others. For example, the observance of Lent is to be a part of the Catholic church and not the catholic church. This feels backwards but when referring to the Catholic church of Rome the ‘c’ is capitalized where as a lowercase ‘c’ refers to the universal body of believers confessing faith in Christ who alone brings us to the Father. We are not Catholic but we are catholic. Don’t let the language scare you. Let’s consider together the value and purpose of this season for the church stretching toward Holy Week.

Understanding & Practicing

 

From the helpful resource Sacred Ordinary Days:

“In the season of Lent, we enter into the forty-day fast that Jesus undertook in the wilderness. Through this dedicated period of self examination, we allow God to further shape us into the image of Jesus. We also align our hearts with the suffering of Jesus as we move closer to Holy Week and the event of the crucifixion. The season begins with Ash Wednesday, we are reminded we are dust and to dust we shall return. During this season, we observe chosen forms of fasting, prayer, and service or charity for forty days…”

This Season in Scripture.

  • Genesis 3:19

  • Psalm 51

  • Isaiah 58:6-12

  • Joel 2:12-13

  • Matthew 4:1-11

  • Matthew 6:1-18

Questions to Ponder:

  • What role has self-examination played in my spiritual life?

  • How open am I to this season of penitence, fasting, and prayer?

  • How might I serve others through this time of sacrifice?

Resources For The Season

 

Bread & Wine: Readings For Lent & Easter

Various Contributors including G.K. Chesterton, & Augustine