Lent

A Season of Penitence and Fasting

It all started when…

Early Christians observed “a season of penitence and fasting” in preparation for the Paschal feast, or Pascha (BCP, pp. 264-265). The season now known as Lent (from an Old English word meaning “spring,” the time of lengthening days) has a long history. Originally, in places where Pascha was celebrated on a Sunday, the Paschal feast followed a fast of up to two days. In the third century this fast was lengthened to six days. Eventually this fast became attached to, or overlapped, another fast of forty days, in imitation of Christ's fasting in the wilderness. The forty-day fast was especially important for converts to the faith who were preparing for baptism, and for those guilty of notorious sins who were being restored to the Christian assembly. In the western church the forty days of Lent extend from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, omitting Sundays. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Today Lent has reacquired its significance as the final preparation of adult candidates for baptism. Joining with them, all Christians are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (BCP, p. 265).

In additon to Forward Day by Day, here are some suggested devotionals for your Lenten practice:

Rooten in Love: Lent Reflections on Life in Christ, Edited by Sarah Mullally (Archbishop of Canterbury)

A Year of Faith and Philosophy: Exploring Spiritual Growth Throughout the Liturgical Cycle by Vance G. Morgan

Walking with God: The 40-Day Fitness Program and Biblical Journey by Anna Fitch Courie.

A Path to Wholeness: A Lenten Companion by Russell J. Levenson Jr.

Living the Way of Love: A 40-Day Devotional by Mary Bea Sullivan.

Everlasting Jesus: 40 Days of Timeless Wisdom for Modern Living by Rick Hamlin

Bread and Wine: An Anthology of Readings for Lent and Easter, The Plough Publishing House

Sense and Sensibility: A Lenten Exploration by Sam Portaro

A Season for the Spirit: Readings for the Days of Lent, Martin L. Smith

Wonderous Encounters: Scripture for Lent by Richard Rohr