The beginning of my Lenten Walk

The ritual season of Lent is upon us. Forty days and 40 nights are meant to give perspective on Jesus’ walk as He gave His life to redeem our souls. I am not a Biblical Scholar, just a lay person with experiences in Catholic and Episcopal churches, an observer of a Congregational setting, and now an active Christian with no proclaimed denomination. So, I back my information with half research and half experience.

So, what is Lent, and why Lent? Growing up, Lent meant giving up something that you enjoyed for 40 days. Sure, I’ll give up chocolate because Jesus died for my sins – in retrospect, that doesn’t exactly seem anywhere near equal or symbolic. As I matured, we began to take something new on for Lent instead of eliminating a desire. One year, I tried to take on learning more about the Bible. That seemed a little closer to what God would want. But it is something I should do all year. It shouldn’t just be 40 days and nights that I focus on God’s word. So, I began seeking the definition of Lent from as many sources as possible.

Christianity.com says Lent is a period of repentance. Along with repentance, Lent signifies a time of fasting, reflection, and working to become closer to God. According to the definition of the ritual of Lent, it is a preparation for the death and rebirth of Jesus Christ. It can also be a time to focus on Christ’s sufferings while working towards purity and realizing that our sin separates us from God.

I keep returning to this question: Is Lent celebrated in every Christian denomination? Building on that is the question of Why? My research is limited, but I keep asking this question.

My thought: I have learned that Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights, as stated in Matthew Chapter 4. This fast was not for Lent but is where the concept of 40 days has been derived. From what I’ve found, the ritual of Lenten fasting originated elsewhere with its roots in the Bible but was an interpretation and formalization of religion. So is Lent a boastful and showy way of saying “We Believe,” or is it a true devotion to your beliefs? Perhaps this is not something we can or should practice uniformly. This article does a great job of breaking down why Lent or why not objectively. As usual, I am left with more questions than answers as I continue to deepen my walk with Jesus.

Through writing this and engaging in different articles and perspectives, I have connected intimately with Jesus more than ever. Ultimately, the Lenten season instigated the more profound journey I desired with Jesus but didn’t consciously make time for.

I’m curious how you are practicing Lent this year. As far as I’m concerned, this conversation has no wrong answers. Comment below to keep the conversation going.

Amanda