The season of Lent dates from the earliest days of the Christian church. The forty days preceding Easter were designated as a time of fasting. It was very strict in observance. Generally, fasting meant refraining from meat and fish products, and at times milk products, including cheeses. While one did not fast continually, it was recognized that only one simple meal per day, generally towards the supper hour was allowed. As time went by this became more relaxed.
In the early church, the fast was for a fortnight, or a period of two to three weeks. It was not until the 7th century that the notion of forty days became recognized as the period of Lenten observance. What could be eaten or not eaten varied depending upon where one was. The Eastern Church still practices abstinence from meat, fish, eggs, and milk products. The Western Church, including both Catholic and Protestant, observe various practices of Lenten discipline.
So what is Lent? It is the forty days preceding Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday. Not counted are the six Sundays of Lent. During this time, in addition to observing fasts or other intentional ways of observance, Lent is reflected in the liturgy in ways such as eliminating the "alleluias." It's why we change the Doxology sung on Sundays during this period. The scriptures read reflect this time, too. Also, the "mood" of worship grows ever more somber leading up to Holy Week. Even Palm Sunday begins in a celebratory mood but ends with more somber tones.
In the Protestant church, this time has a penitential character to it. It is a time when the people of God are called into a time of reflection and introspection. Where have we separated ourselves from God? What can we "give up" (and, which should be permanent and not just during the season of Lent!) that would enable us to allow God to close that separation? Or, maybe, what can we add in the way of spiritual disciplines that helps us to be open to God's will for our lives?
For me, Lent always has been a time of deep spiritual renewal. I can't imagine entering the Easter season - or even Holy Week - without having experienced Lent. It's like celebrating Holy Communion without first confessing our unworthiness to come to the table. How can one truly understand the joy of Easter without having undergone the penitential season of Lent? The resurrection makes no sense without Jesus' journey to the cross and his crucifixion.
During this Lenten season, let us each carve out time to examine our lives as God sees them. Let us explore ways to eliminate that which gets in the way of our relationship with God. And, let us look to those things we can take on which allows us to be taken ever more deeply in our relationship. May this Lenten journey be one of deep examination, reflection, and introspection.
Grace and peace,
Mike
March 1, 2015