Lenten Season
The people who attend Missio Dei come from a wide variety of spiritual backgrounds. Some had no formal spirituality, while others come from backgrounds that include, but are not limited to Charismatic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, etc. While there is often a strong awareness of those things that make us distinct, the same cannot be said for the united history we share or for the reasons we have our distinctions. Each year, around the observation of Lent, questions arise as to why Missio practices the season.
I often say that Missio Dei is not primarily interested in new ways of “doing” church. Instead, we are interested in faithfully contextualizing ancient ways of “being” the church in a context that is constantly changing. I believe this requires that we prioritize what unites us to other followers of Jesus rather than overemphasize what keeps us distinct. In regard to Lent and our participation, we should explore a little history.
Past
A Brief History of Lent
Lent is a 40 day observation (excluding the 7 Sundays) that is biblically connected to both Moses’ 40 days on Sinai and with Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil.
The exact origins of the observation of Lent are uncertain. However many elements are attributed to the practice of Jesus’ Apostles from the 1st Century. The formalization of Lent took place in 325 during the Council of Nicea. Up to that time, the season was used to prepare baptismal candidates for Easter baptism and repentant congregants were marked with ashes as a sign of their repentance in preparation for Easter restoration. In addition to these preparations, fasting and prayer practices were observed with considerable unity in churches through the 900’s.
By the 900’s, significant concerns over the often violent responses to theological differences in the Eastern Churches were capitalized by Western Church leaders. An awareness of the lack of charity in the East influenced Western observation of Lent to relax strictness in preference of the grace offered by the Holy Spirit. It was no longer specific sinners who needed a mark of repentance (ashes), but entire congregations. Fasting and prayer were invitations to observe rather than obligations to keep.
By the time of the Great Reformation of the early 1500’s, a deep desire to return to the roots of the Christian faith created movements in the church that continued to push back against any sense that Christians were obligated to participate in works of righteousness in order to be welcomed by God. For the Reformed, the work of Jesus should be the hallmark of our faith and unmistakably clear. While there are differences in emphasis, nearly all Christians have historically observed some of the Lenten observations. At Missio, we joyfully welcome that rich tradition and seek to glorify God in our observation.
Purpose
One purpose of Lent is to unify the church in a season of preparation to celebrate the most significant event of human history; the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. The season begins with Ash Wednesday, a tangible reminder that the things in which we often place our trust will perish, but that God remains forever. We, who are formed from dust will return to dust, but in union with Christ, we will rise as restored image bearers of God. Christians throughout history and around the world observe Ash Wednesday with a unique worship gathering. Lent includes a season of fasting (temporary abstention) from created things as a reminder to connect with God in prayer and concludes with Holy Week observations.
Practices
There are a few practices that we welcome you to consider during the season of Lent.
Fasting
The discipline of fasting is a way that disciples of Jesus have utilized to remind themselves of their dependence on Jesus apart from earthly pleasures. Common approaches to fasting include partial fasting and regular fasting.
Partial fasting is the abstention from certain types of pleasurable foods and activities. The fasted foods in the Bible include, but are not limited to pleasant breads, meats, and alcohol (Dan. 10:3) and the activities include such things as sexual activity (I Cor. 7:3-6).
The most common form of fasting is regular fasting. Regular fasting includes the drinking of water, but the avoidance of meals. The heart behind general fasting is to willingly go without meals and use that hunger to remind your body of your dependence upon God. It is important that we consider Jesus’ instructions about fasting, especially because we live in a culture of abundance and immediacy. He says,
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:16-18).
Fasting is a good practice to remind us that discomfort is not a bad thing, and that there is a deep connection between our body and our spirit.
Holy Week
The last week of the Lenten Season begins on Palm Sunday and carries through the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Events of the week include a Passover celebration on Thursday evening, Good Friday worship, and Easter Sunday celebration. A guide for Passover will be made available as Holy week gets closer. As always, we want to remind everyone that there is no abiding law for the season of Lent. Participation should be driven by an attitude of grace and joy.
Resources
Here are a few of the resources that some of our pastors, staff, and leaders are utilizing this Lenten Season should you wish to participate in a Bible reading plan.
Come to Life · A 49 day reading plan from She Reads Truth
Lent Through African Eyes · A 47 day reading plan from Oasis International
Terrain: A Lent Devotional · A 33 day reading plan from Citizens Church (A Harbor Network Church in Birmingham, AL)
Submitted by: Kurt Hannah