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This week we will be moving onto the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “lecten” meaning “spring” and refers to the lengthening of days.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. This year it will begin of March 5th. Ash Wednesday was so named because the palms leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service, which is the celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem the week before His death and resurrection, are burned. This is a symbolic reminder that we are dust and emphasizes our morality and need for repentance.
Because the church follows a lunar calendar, the date of Easter changes each year. Easter, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. Since Lent lasts for 40 days, symbolic of the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry, its date changes also. Sundays are not counted in the days of Lent.
For many Christians, this is a time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and they will fast or abstain from a favourite food, drink, or activity as a form of self discipline, in order to grow closer to God. Even if we don’t practice this self-denial, Lent can be used as a time to grow in our relationship with God. Use it as a time of repentance, self-examination and spiritual renewal in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter!
