Embracing the Season of Lent

This week marks the beginning of Lent (Wednesday, 5 March). My children used to remind me of this every year, as it was part of the rhythm of their school life. They would come home excited to show us the cross made of ash on their foreheads. But what is Lent?

Lent is a season of repentance, prayer, and fasting, lasting for 40 days. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. This season reflects the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying (Matthew 4), before starting His public ministry.

The wilderness holds deep significance in biblical history. It is often a place of testing and preparation. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 14:33-34), and for Jesus, it was a time of solitude, dependence on God, and preparation for His mission.

Many Christians observe Lent by abstaining from certain foods, social media, entertainment, or other comforts like TV while dedicating more time to prayer and daily devotionals.

Another way to see Lent is as a time of preparation, leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter.

Perhaps you might consider taking up the challenge of fasting from something this Lent.

If you are struggling through something, remember so did the Lord (Mathew 4), it will pass, it is a season, part of your journey of faith and he will be your comfort.

May you have a great week. I leave you with this scripture:

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24)

• Ash Wednesday 5/3
• Palm Sunday 13/4
• Good Friday 18/4 (Reflective service in the front lawn)
• Easter Sunday 20/4

Bible readings for Lent you might like to read

• Mathews: Jesus’ life, passion, death, and resurrection in detail.
• Exodus 1:1-22
• Exodus 3:1-20