Today, Wednesday, March 6th, marks the beginning of the season known as Lent. Many of you might have been like me and forgot about this day until you walked into work and saw co-workers with the cross made with ashes upon their foreheads. This tradition is observed by many including Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and Catholics. The season of Lent is a specific time within the liturgical calendar that Christians are in preparation for the coming of Easter. It is what advent is to the death of Christ in many ways.
Traditionally Lent lasts 40 days. Because of the fluctuation of the calendar, this time period can extend beyond 40 days though. It typically beings on Ash Wednesday, and will conclude at either Good Friday, or the Saturday before Easter.
During this time period of waiting in anticipation, the individual has a task. Typically, this includes prayer, fasting, penance, and self-denial. This is what most people think of when they hear of Lent; self-denial. I remember as a youth going to school, and hearing discussions of what people were giving up for 40 days. It included things such as soda, sugar, television, broccoli, and homework.
How should you and I look at a day such as Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent?
1) Take the opportunity to have Gospel-centered conversations.
As you look around at the people you interact with today, many of them have an invitation placed on their foreheads for you to start up a conversation. Some of these people maybe have never given you the slightest clue that they have any spiritual undertones. To even see them with the ash cross on their forehead is a shock to you. Don’t miss an opportunity to discuss the cross. Possibly begin with a question- “I don’t know much about the traditions of Ash Wednesday, and I see that you have the cross in ashes on your forehead. Can you explain to me what that means to you?”
2) Take this opportunity to evaluate your own heart.
As many will be giving up things during this season, it can be a reminder to us to take an inventory of ourselves. It reminds me of what happens on January 1st every year. Many people make resolutions to do things differently. This season of Lent could be the beginning for you to do the same thing. Are you spending to much time doing “X” when you really know that you are placing God into a secondary position?
3) Prepare and reflect upon the death and resurrection of Christ.
Although you might not be participating in Ash Wednesday or Lent, it could still be a great time to walk through 40 days leading to Easter. Why does the death of Christ matter? Why did He have to die? Why was the resurrection important? Possibly read through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in this season. Look at the life of Christ which ends with His sacrifice on your behalf.