We’re in the season of Lent, that 40-day preparation phase for Resurrection Sunday. The concept of Lent began around the second century and was typically a day or two of fasting.
Over time, after Constantine made Christianity “legal,” it became far more structured, with 40 days of Lent to mirror the 40s of Scripture (40 days of rain, 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting, etc.).
By the Middle Ages, it was even more so. The season began on Ash Wednesday, marked by ashes as a sign of repentance. Liturgical colors turned purple, and the final week became known as Holy Week, culminating in Good Friday and Easter.
Ritual fasting became more structured, often one meal a day and no meat – the tradition of fish on Fridays was implemented to aid Spanish fishermen, but that’s a story for another day.
According to one source, “The Protestant Reformation changed how Lent was observed: Reformers like Martin Luther did not reject Lent outright but resisted compulsory fasting. In more Reformed traditions influenced by John Calvin, the season was often deemphasized. Anglican and Lutheran traditions generally retained it in modified form.”
Today, in evangelical circles, it is hardly mentioned and has become an almost extinct tradition. That’s a huge loss. A formal, highly structured Lenten period can easily become simply a ritual, but losing it entirely risks losing an opportunity for reflection and devotion.
Whatever your personal thought on the subject, and practices for Lent, one thing is certain. The event we look forward to changed the world forever.
The resurrection is important enough to be recorded in all four gospels, albeit with a slightly different take in each account. Here’s a portion of one …
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10
Our Lord is risen and alive. He is returning for His bride. That, my friends, is worth meditating on and celebrating every day of the year, but especially as we approach Resurrection Sunday. It’s only 34 days away. Ponder Jesus during this season of Lent.
Celebrate and praise the Risen Lamb.
Be blessed
Kevin
