What is Lent?
Isaiah 58: 3-9
The word comes form the Anglo-Saxon, LENT, meaning to lengthen – it was the old name for Spring. These references to Spring are probably ancient, but are admirably suited to the Christian preparation for Easter, the celebration of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection – winning NEW LIFE for us.
Lent lasts 40 days (like Jesus in the wilderness), and starts on Ash Wednesday, ends on Easter Saturday, but doesn’t include Sundays. Why not Sundays? Well, every Sunday is a mini celebration of Easter – the cross and resurrection – so it would be inappropriate to fast!
Shrove Tuesday
Many countries have celebrations on this day – using up foods inappropriate for use during fasting (eg fat – hence Mardi Gras). Pancakes are often included. In many countries there is a carnival period of celebration from Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday, so Mardi Gras is the final day of the celebrations.
The title “Shrove” refers to shriving, which is the absolution conferred after confession, so Shrove Tuesday heralds the start of a penitential period – LENT.
Mothering Sunday
In the UK this is the 4th Sunday of Lent, and marks a return to the mother church (often the Cathedral);. Those in service had a day off, originally to visit their Mother church, but later it became traditional to visit family. Simnel cake was baked for the day. It is different from Mother’s Day, which was started in 1912 in the USA, and which happens to be celebrated on the same day in the UK, though not elsewhere (2nd Sunday in May).
So what is LENT?
Lent is a period of reflection and anticipation – our church year from Christmas to Easter reflects the ministry of Christ leading up to Holy Week. Many churches follow a LENT course of study, perhaps individually, or in small groups, or in Sunday Services. Other choose a book to read, or a set of reflections to read, ponder and pray about. Which is what we have done. Gary has recommended a book to read; but we also have a set of reflections, written by members of the churches in the villages – Staplefield, Slaugham, Handcross, Warninglid, Pease Pottage. There is a reading for each day of Lent, with people telling us about answers to prayer, or about God working in their lives. It’s called “Jesus is Alive” and you can pick up a copy at the back of the church – £2 to cover our printing costs. You can also get it on Kindle.
What about Isaiah?
Isaiah the prophet brought God’s truth to a generation in Israel who went through the motions, seeming very religious… BUT … who were selfish, greedy and grasping. God was more interested in seeing them treat their fellow-men generously than in seeing them fasting and making a show of it. He wanted to see people with a heart to help others, to feed and clothe them; and for families, no whole communities, to be reconciled.
And perhaps this is what we should be reflecting on as we go through Lent – let’s have a fast from selfish greed; let’s keep an eye out for each other; let’s go the extra mile.
