Reflections on Lent

Lent is a sacred season in the Christian calendar dedicated to reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter. Traditionally lasting forty days, not counting Sundays, Lent recalls the forty days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. For believers, it is a time to imitate Christ’s humility and deepen their faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

The origins of Lent trace back to the early centuries of Christianity, when new converts prepared for baptism at Easter by undertaking a period of intense spiritual discipline. By the fourth century, the Church formalized this observance as a penitential season for all Christians, symbolizing the call to conversion and purification. The number forty carries biblical significance, representing periods of testing and renewal—as seen in Moses’ time on Mount Sinai and Israel’s forty years in the desert.

People observe Lent in a variety of ways, but all ways should draw us deeper into our relationship with the Lord. Many people choose to give up specific luxuries or habits—such as sweets, social media, or entertainment—as a modern expression of self-denial and discipline. Others add positive practices, such as daily devotion, volunteering, or reconciling strained relationships. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This year, Ash Wednesday is February 18th. We will have our Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary of Building A. The season culminates in Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday and leads to the solemn remembrance of Good Friday, when Christians contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This journey of spiritual preparation reaches its joyful fulfillment on Easter Sunday, marking the triumph of life over death and the renewal of hope for all believers.

During the season of Lent, our sermons will look at some of the “one another” scriptures in the New Testament. We are encouraged to “love another”, “encourage one another” “pray for one another” etc. As you will read elsewhere, we will also be encouraging people to join a small group for Lent.

I hope you will join us on Ash Wednesday, and all through the season of Lent.

If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,

David