Lent

Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencton – the time of year when the days grow long. In the early church, Lent was a time of preparation for the Easter baptism of converts to the faith. Through the experience of fasting, self-denial and acknowledgment of their need to repent and turn to God, they began to live out Paul’s vision of offering oneself to God.

Personal Prayer

I appeal to you therefore brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

• How can I be a living sacrifice?
• What will it take for me to live a holy and acceptable life to God?
• Who do I need to be reconciled with in my life?

An Outline of the Faith

• Human Nature
• The Ten Commandments
• Sin and Redemption
• God the Son
• The Holy Scriptures
• Holy Baptism
• Other Sacramental Rites

As part of God’s creation, we are free to make choices. As humans, made in the image of God, we used our freedom to rebel and put ourselves instead of God first. God sent the prophets to show us the way back and sent us the Messiah to free us from the power of sin so that we may live in harmony with God, within ourselves, with our neighbors, and with all creation. Lent is a time of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Reflection on God’s action in daily life

The season of Lent is marked by self-examination and repentance culminating in the Rite of Reconciliation by prayer, fasting and meditation. It is also a time to practice positive acts that enhance an every-growing and loving relationship with God.

• Prepare for the renewal of your baptismal vows and covenant at the Easter Vigil.
• Confess past unfaithfulness: pride, hypocrisy and impatience
• How do I turn to Jesus Christ and put my whole trust in his grace and love?
• What tempts me away from my baptismal ministry?
• When have I experienced a “burning bush” that calls me to pay attention to God?

Things to Do

• Download Ideas & Resources for Lent
• Bake bread. Jesus is the True Bread.
• Find a labyrinth near your home. Spend some time walking it, or ‘walk’ a labyrinth virtually online or with a handheld model of paper, wood, or metal.
• Attend worship services on Ash Wednesday and during Holy Week.
• Take Sabbath time. Find time away, even for a few hours, for a mini-retreat.
• Follow daily devotions
• Pray the Stations of the Cross – at church or virtually online
• Practice a Lenten discipline of contributing to local or global mission

Further resources

• Labyrinths