I am new to Lent, as many of you may be. Oh, I’ve heard of Marti Gras and Ash Wednesday. Over the past few years I’ve even fasted during the 40 days before Easter–usually I give up TV or chocolate. One year, when I lived in Chicago and attended a Presbyterian church, the pastor urged us not just to give something up for Lent, but also to take on a character quality of Jesus. You know, trying to be more generous or patient.
But though these all are Lenten activities, I’ve really never taken on the posture of Lent. I haven’t entered the wilderness, like Jesus, to let my faith be tested and to set myself apart. And even as I’m writing about it, I know why I continue to be new to Lent. Wildernesses scare me. This year, though, I am ready to learn more about what it means to seek after Jesus as he was preparing to die. I’m ready to be a Lenten Christian.
Just like Advent, Lent will be a season of expectation. For those who journeyed with me back in December, we spent a lot of time thinking about what it means to wait on, for and with Jesus. The waiting sometimes felt hard, but more often than not, Advent waiting was exhilarating.
But Lent waiting will be different. Though ultimately we will celebrate the power and glory of resurrection on Easter, to get there, we have to go through the agony, misery, and loneliness of Gethsamene and the suffering and death of Golgotha. And even before that, we have to go to the wilderness.
Will you go with me?
I will be posting daily Lenten meditations over on my website. Just click on the Lent link to the left when you get there. I also will occasionally post some of the meditations here, on my blog.
for now — You hit on the part of ritual that I often feel disappointed by. I can do the reflection for the prescribed season or holiday, but it doesn’t always carry over into the rest of my life.
“the pastor urged us not just to give something up for Lent, but also to take on a character quality of Jesus” – thanks for this. It gives a lot to think about, not just for Lent either. Something to work on and do a “self-check” periodically.
Aimee — Small world, indeed! Kelly Steffen is one of my best friends. We get to live in the same city, and I see her and the boys a bunch. We met at church about 12 years ago. I met Bart years ago through Kelly and know he and Erik were very close. I haven’t had a chance to get to know Jenni.
I’m not on staff, though I have felt pretty close over the years, attending Christmas conference with Kelly, going to weekly meetings, etc. I had a feeling you had a Crusade connection when I read something about a STINT in one of your blogs. 🙂 I’m so glad to make this connection!
Ted — We can figure out the whole church calendar thing together. I find it very appealing, though I know some who have grown up with find it just the opposite.
Wow, small world Charity!! My husband and I are friends with Bart and
Jenni Lillie who are close friends with the Steffen’s. I followed Erik’s
journey through them. I just saw on your blog a link to her blog!! Are
you on Staff with CCC?
Aimee
This sounds really good, Charity. I look forward to reading, and entering more into this. I’m certainly new on Lent and this whole church calendar business, as well. Though I really think of it in a positive light, and believe we’d all benefit by at least incorporating something from it. Thanks.
AMM — Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I am new to the church calendar, and “observe” it on my own (my church doesn’t follow it, at least). The periods of anticipation and reflection built around all the holy days are such an important part of worship to me now.
LL — I was considering your words just now as I walked outside in the “wilderness” (read: PARK) with my dog. Your right, even though things are slower out there right now, there is still life. I too will be thinking about the connection to Lent.
Craver — Go for it. I’m always up for a good link. And thanks. I’m heading over to your site to read your thoughts on Lent.
I’m trying to work this around break-times, so I’ll assume it’s “yes.” I hope that’s okay.
Charity, this is great! I like the Lenten meditations.
I have a Lenten post in the incubator. May I link to your meditations?
Interesting comment, A Musing… about the rejoicing seeming hollow. I never thought of it that way.
And, Charity, I’m coming to see the wilderness differently. I’ve been going outside (see Green Inventions) in the freezing cold, sitting in my little secet spot in the back yard… there’s so much life there… I have been wondering, in fact, if the wilderness is a place where God says, “see, there is life in this place you thought was lifeless.” I don’t know how this might apply to lent. But, I’ll try to think on that when I go outside today!
I gladly join you. I desperately miss the rhythms of the church calendar that I grew up with. To suddenly come upon Easter with all it’s rejoicing feels hollower to me without the solemnity and sacrifice of Lenten observances preceding it.
Thanks for putting me on your blogroll! : )