Prelude to Lent, Feb. 25, 2020
Lent Begins Feb. 26
Lent is a 40 day Christian festival beginning Ash Wednesday and concluding on Easter (Sundays are not counted). The 40 day fast of Jesus in the wilderness was responsible for the number 40 being chosen . It was said by Athanasius in 339 AD to be celebrated the world over.
The word "Lent" comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word lengten, which means "springtime," named so for the time of the year in which it occurs. The five Lenten Sundays are followed by the Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week, when we relive the events of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death.
What we now call Lent was originally a period of fasting and study for catechumens who were to be baptized on the Saturday before Easter. The purpose of this extended fast was to practice self-denial and humility. This was to prepare oneself for receiving God's grace and forgiveness in baptism, given on Easter Saturday or Easter Sunday.
Lent is:
• A time for looking at the things we do that are wrong or that tempt us, asking God’s and other people’s forgiveness;
• A time for giving up things that keep us from being loving people;
• A time for doing extra things that will help us grow closer to God;
• A time to be more aware of what it means to love as God loves us;
• A time to ask God to help us to be more loving, remembering
that God is always ready to strengthen us.
• A time to let go of our normal routine, try a new spiritual practice, to step out of our box, to reflect on ourselves, to reflect on a relationship with God. It can be a very creative time. At a later time these practices may help us endure trying of challenging times. Lent gives us a chance to practice facing our fears, journeying in the wilderness, confronting the dangers and difficulties we find there, and reaching out for Jesus’ hand the entire trip.
- We have a dedicated Lenten part of the website Lent at St. Peter's Includes the background of Lent, the Lenten calendar with readings, resources, etc.
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb. 25, 5pm-6:30pm. All about Shrove Tuesday.
- Lent begins Wednesday, Feb. 26. The Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist is at 7PM. 3 important points about Ash Wednesday
- Adult Christian Ed on Sundays in Lent at St. Peter's - Genesis
- Adult Christian Ed in Lent online - Signs of Life. Here's an introduction.
- Lenten Quiet Day, Feb. 27. The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones will lead the program on Wednesday, Feb. 27th at Roslyn Conference and Retreat Center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the meditations at 10 a.m. The day will end at approximately 2:30 p.m. Cost for the day is $35 and includes lunch. The sign-up sheet is in the Parish House.