What are Lent and Ash Wednesday?
The season of Lent is a time for growth in faith - through prayer, spiritual discipline, and self-examination in preparation for the commemoration of the dying and rising of the Lord Jesus Christ. In ancient Christian practice, Lent was a time of preparation for the celebration of Baptism that only took place at Easter. In many churches today it is a time for the whole community of faith to reflect deeply on the theme of baptismal discipleship. Reconciliation is a key theme in the season of Lent - reconciliation with God and with one another through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Traditional spiritual practices that are encouraged during Lent include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Modern twists on these ancient themes are creative and varied. You might try:
fasting from snacks and donating the money saved;
trying new forms of prayer like journaling, centering prayer, walking prayers;
caring for creation by picking up trash on a walk through town or a park or preserve;
writing a letter or sending a card to someone in need of a smile everyday;
committing to a practice of reading a psalm before each meal.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with an act of confession, both personal and communal. Acknowledging that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, we repent and return to our loving creator. Acutely aware of our failure and frailty, we express our utter reliance on God's saving grace.
Ash Wednesday developed in the medieval period as a time when penitent sinners were presented for church discipline during the season of Lent, and it has transformed into an observance that recognizes we are all in need of repair in our relationships with God and one another. For those who undertake special spiritual disciplines during the season of Lent, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten fast.
The ashes we use to mark worshippers are an ancient symbol of repentance, sorrow, and sacrifice, as well as a visual reminder of our mortality and total dependence on God, as "from dust we have come, and to dust we shall return."
Have you thought about how you might observe the season of Lent? Join us for Ash Wednesday worship at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, and Lent services on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. March 6-April 10. We will hold Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services in Holy Week on April 14 and 15 and 7:00 p.m..
(adapted from the PC(USA) Book of Common Worship)