Lent

Well today, being Ash Wednesday, is the beginning of the Season of Lent. It seems to be one of the least talked about times of the Christian year these days, which is unfortunate as it has very significant meaning.

Started reading 'Bread and Wine' this morning and found the following quote, which I think is a helpful reminder as we enter this season:

'...Lent is traditionally associated with penitence, fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. It is a time for "giving things up" balanced by "giving to" those in need. Yet whatever else it may be, Lent should never be morose - an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures. Instead, we ought to approach Lent as an opportunity, not a requirement. After all, it is meant to be the church's springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin's winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges...

'...Put another way, Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart's deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him - in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph - we find our truest joy.'

(pages xvi-xvii)