Easter is the only major holiday that does not have a fixed date. It can come as early as March 22 and as late as April 25. This year it comes on April 17, and so Lent begins on March 2. In the forty-day journey leading up to Easter, Sundays are not counted because every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection.
Within conservative congregations, Lent is often regarded as something for liberal churches. There is a whole tradition of Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and pancake races that cannot be found in the Bible. However, fasting and self-denial are certainly taught in the Scriptures. Since Jesus spent forty days and nights in the desert, there is no harm in giving up something for forty days in order to identify with Christ and to prepare our hearts for the passion and resurrection of Christ.
When I began to try to explain this to congregations who had never observed Lent, inevitably I encountered kids who were willing to give up broccoli and homework not only for forty days but on a permanent basis!
I have also encountered adults who were willing to give up a pet sin for forty days but were anxious to resume sinning after Easter. I believe it is crucial to emphasize that Lent is not self-atonement. I have also come to realize that Lent cannot be one-size-fits-all. Some people are diabetic or have special health issues which preclude them from giving up basic necessities.
Perhaps you were raised in a tradition that always observed Lent. However, it might be helpful if you considered observing it in a fresh way. As a pastor, I have explained Lent and announced its start. But I have backed off from issuing decrees or banns. Instead, I have watched families talk together about what they wanted to do. Kids have picked a favorite toy and given it to someone less fortunate. Some busy people have given their time to serve neighbors who could not drive to the store. I believe that it is more important to be intentional than simply to be traditional.
But as we serve others, and in so doing identify with the ministry of Christ, we also need to do something for ourselves. The Francis Asbury Society has selected several recommended resources that you could use profitably during this Lenten season. Why don’t you prayerfully consider selecting one of these resources, getting an extra copy for someone else, and together read and reflect on the passion of Christ during Lent this year?
Lenten Resources
- Lent resources from Seedbed.com – https://my.seedbed.com/product-category/lent/
- Seven Words to the Cross by J. Ellsworth Kalas (Abingdon, 2002) – https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Words-Cross-Lenten-Adults/dp/0687099056
- Reliving the Passion by Walter Wangerin (HarperCollins, 1994) – https://www.amazon.com/Reliving-Passion-Meditations-Suffering-Resurrection/dp/0061043060
- The John Wesley Covenant Service – https://my.seedbed.com/product/watchnight-john-wesleys-covenant-renewal-service/