The Basics

Lent (lent, n.) A period in the Christian calendar preceding Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday and comprising 40 days (not counting Sundays). The date of Easter was set by the First Council of Nicaea as the first Sunday after the first full moon, on or after the vernal equinox, accounting for the year to year variation in Lent within a religious community. There are additional variations from church to church based on the calendar used for the calculations. In 2013, and for Christians following the Gregorian calendar, Lent started on February 13 and will extend to March 30, the day before Easter.

Lent commemorates significant trials in Jesus' life, especially the week leading up to and including His trial by Pilate and crucifixion, but also Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke place this latter event early in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His baptism and it is from these Bible passages that Lent gets its length.

For many Christians, Lenten practices include penitential sacrifices, often of certain foods, reminiscent of Jesus' fasting during his temptation (as recorded in Matthew and Luke). Fasting as a spiritual practice finds support in many other Biblical passages, as well as in other world religions. In addition to foregoing desirable things, believers will often emphasize church attendance or acts of piety during Lent.

Needless to say, practices surrounding Lent vary significantly, even within a given congregation. But most can be related to the general notion that Lent is a time for evaluation of daily practices, for eliminating those things that no longer have value and for allowing a growth in spirituality. Different viewpoints lead to differing emphasis on sacrifice vs. covenant, on temporary vs. permanent, on traditional vs. new, on reflective vs. active, on personal vs. corporate, on religious vs. secular.

It is this variety that I propose to explore. I want to take up all manner of Lenten activities and examine their usefulness. I hope to see the value in each approach and the opportunities that each affords. Being human, my own biases may tint my writing, but I pray that through contemplation and discussion, such errors will be revealed.

May the God of Lent give meaning to your sacrifices and fill graciously the space you make for Him.