Lent

We didn’t make much of Lent when I was growing up. We were kinda-sorta Methodist. The lower working-class neighborhood we lived in was predominately Roman Catholic. I remember my neighborhood friends discussing what they could give up for Lent with the least amount of pain. (Bubble gum, but not Juicy Fruit.)

I came to faith in the Jesus Movement, which was all about praise and worship and expectation of the second coming, which was nice, but, again, no mention of Lent. I was ordained in the Church of the Brethren where we celebrated a full love feast with foot-washing and communion every Maundy Thursday. Beyond that, not much was said about Lent. Later, I affiliated with Calvary Chapel, planted and pastored churches and directed CC’s Bible college. In that context, Lent was even less emphasized. It was rarely mentioned.

Now I have come to see the wisdom in this tradition that goes back to the earliest days of the original Jesus movement. Lent is a season of personal self-examination, confession, repentance, reconciliation, and making amends by forgiving “those who trespass against us.” In that respect, it serves the same purpose as Yom Kippur.

In Lent, we are called to listen to words of the prophet Joel:

^2:12 Yet even now, says the Lord,    return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;¹³     rend your hearts and not your clothing.Return to the Lord your God,    for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love,    and relenting from punishment. (nrsvue)

I assumed “rend your heart” meant rip out your heart in agony over the depth of your wickedness. I see now that to rend your heart is to open your heart – to forgiveness, to grace, to mercy, to love.

Lent is, secondly, a time to be reminded of one’s mortality – “dust to dust; ashes to ashes.” That’s not meant to be morbid, however. It’s meant to remind us that life can change in a heartbeat, so redeem the time, focus on what matters – relationships with God and others, environmental stewardship out of love for future generations, loving God, others, nature, and self wholeheartedly.

Traditionally, Lent has for centuries been a time of instruction for the newly converted, leading up to them being baptized and welcomed into the fold on Easter.

Beautifully, Lent has historically been a time of reconciliation, of welcoming back into the flock anyone who separated themselves through notorious sin. I have sinned notoriously and caused great pain to many, including my own children. Lent is a time of recognizing the thoroughness of God’s forgiveness (“as far as east is from west”) for myself and for others.

It has become for me one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.