Lent - A Time for Grief and Change

What is the Season of Lent about? 

In the Church calendar, Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (not counting Sundays). This year that is March 5th to April 20th. During the season of Lent we journey with Jesus to the cross. We also remember Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days before he began his ministry. (Matthew 4:1-2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-2). 

The actual word for Lent is from an old English word for springtime. Mardis Gras is the French word for the exuberant festival on the day before Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday people are reminded that life is short and Lent is the time to turn away from harmful ways and turn to the goodness of God. 

The color associated with Lent is purple, for repentance and preparation for Easter.

One important Greek word for Lent is “Hamartia” which is translated as “Sin”, but which more accurately means missing the bullseye on the target.  In other words, a sinner is not a bad person, but just a human being who sometimes misses the very best of who he or she could be. Don’t we all long for that?

Another important word is “Metanoia” which we translate as “Repent”. But again, the Greek meaning is more expansive.  It means to change your mind, to change the way you think about something, and to turn around and change directions.  When we repent, we realize we are going the wrong way, and turn around.

So the season of Lent is 40 days in which we reflect, even grieve, and resolve to change. 

Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to travel with us.