What is Lent?

Today is the beginning of the season of Lent. It isn't just for Catholics, and it's not all about giving stuff up. So what is it, then?

For a lot of Christians, even those in liturgical traditions, Lent can be something of a mystery – we tend to think it's all about sin and guilt, wearing ashes on our foreheads, or eating fish on Fridays. Many find they are strangely attracted to Lent, but know little about the season. Here at All Souls, we think it's worth exploring.

For 40 days leading up to Easter (not counting Sundays), the church has traditionally celebrated the season of Lent, with a focus on repentance, prayer, and our dependence on the grace of God. “Celebrating” may seem like a strange word to use in this context, but it's a way of centering our minds and preparing our hearts as we contemplate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The word Lent comes from the ancient Germanic word for “springtime,” and is often seen as a time for “spiritual spring cleaning”: a time for taking inventory and cleaning out things which may get in the way of our relationship with Jesus.

Why 40 days? To remind us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil, fasting, praying, and preparing for his ministry here on earth. Jesus' life was full of simplicity and sacrifice; these are ideals we strive for all our lives, but focus on during Lent, just as we celebrate Christ's resurrection every Sunday but focus on it at Easter. (This is why Sundays are typically not numbered in the 40 days of Lent – they are set aside as feast days, for celebrating the risen Jesus!)

Many Christians choose to voluntarily “give something up” for Lent, like a habit or a favorite food, or to add something to their daily routine, like morning devotions or volunteering in the community. No, this practice is not laid out in the Bible, nor is it necessary in order for you to “get something out” of Lent. It's just a way of reinforcing the significance of the season, and keeping our eyes on Jesus.

The way to Easter is the way of the cross. Celebrating the season of Lent serves to remind us of the words of Jesus in Mathew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” 

Here at All Souls, we see Lent as a great way for us to focus on Christ and identify with Christians around the world and throughout the ages. In the words of Thomas Howard, “To move through the disciplines in company with millions and millions of other believers all over the world is a profoundly instructive thing.” 

So there you have it. Lent has officially begun. It's a great time to slow down, to consider what our relationship with God looks like, and to reflect on how we can love and serve him better in our everyday lives. We invite you to join us in observing Lent this year!