What is Lent?

The time of year prior to the Easter Holiday is known as Lent. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles.

Often times Lent is when people of some sort of religious background give up something important to them. Why? So many don't know. They just know that fasting from something is an important thing to do.

Read the quote on the table. What do you think about this quote? If you have ever celebrated Lent, have you ever forgotten the meaning behind the fast? Reflect upon the desert and why you have done or are doing this ancient rite.

If you've never celebrated Lent, why not? Take and find something important to you that you can give up for the next three weeks until Easter. Every time you crave it, remember that Jesus went without food, water, a bed, a home, showers, Internet, wine, beer, computers, or any of His friends for 40 days.

To increase our speed, we can be more like Jesus. He was infinitely quick. Lent is a chance to let the Spirit work and to be more like Him....

Reflect?...