Articles

As the Christian Church closes one major season of the year, that of Christmas through Epiphany, it opens another one, which sees us through the forty days of Lent to the Easter season. In popular culture Lent has been a time to “give up” stuff—chocolate, certain vices, perhaps an enjoyable hobby or TV show in order to show penance. While some practices are good—committing to worship and good deeds, more prayer, and so on, Lent can also be seen as a time to take on things rather than giving something up.

Historically Lent was the time when new converts to the faith were instructed prior to their baptism at the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday night. There was enormous symbolism in that: the newly baptized received the Eucharist, and participated in the rebirth, or transformation, of their lives by the light of Easter dawn, when Christ rose in triumph from the grave. We do well to remember Lent’s intent.

In other words, Lent can be a time when we all are more open to God’s grace, because that is what it is ultimately all about. Our preparations pale in the light of God’s goodness and mercy, and Lent is a means given to us by the Church to make us all the more receptive to the good gifts of God: Jesus the Son and the good news of his death and resurrection.