What is Lent? And a Lenten Invitation
Dear Church,
Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, begins an ancient tradition called Lent. What is Lent? It comes from the Latin word — "Quadragesima" — or Fortieth. (Now I want to call Lent "Quadragesima" cuz that word is fancy & fun rolling from the tongue — smile :)
Lent is a Christian tradition; it is NOT commanded in the Scriptures. But it does echo the many significant 40s in the Scriptures, for instance the 40-day wilderness fasts of Moses, Elijah, and particularly Jesus (rf. Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12–13, Luke 4:1–13).
Lent is actually 46 days by some measures. To get the number 40, Sundays are not counted. We'll do that. Others count Sundays and treat Holy Week separately.
Anyway, the invitation: I'd like to facilitate a Lent observance for the church this year. It will consist of a daily e-mail. (You can delete and opt out; Lent is NOT a commandment). But I hope you will engage. Here's why...
I'm focused and fixed upon a passion for the church: That we get comfortable, happy, and ensconced in the prayer closet (Matthew 6:6), that we delight ourselves in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), that it be tacitly clear we have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13), and that we aid the needs/interests of one another (Philippians 2:21).
My invitation to Lent is to facilitate our devotional life with Christ. Traditional lent includes humbling/fasting (i.e. recognizing & accentuating awareness of our need of God). It is also a call to be intentional in our service to others. UNFORTUNATELY, it is often overtly or subtly thought to be an earning of credit, favor, stature with God. NO! The reward is passion for Jesus & compassion on people — not an earning of markers/favors. God’s gifts are free and for all impartially (James 1:17).
My hope for this Lenten observance is solely to encourage a personal & congregational "seeking" of Jesus more intimately, yea to "gaze upon the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4). So to be clear my goal is NOT turning us into some "mainline," high-church, liturgical expression of Christianity. But I did feel led to borrow the ancient, time-honored tradition this once. And you are not obligated and still equally loved & enjoyed.
The only best in/is CHRISt,
tIM