THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

“Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencton – meaning “spring” or “lengthening” from the time of year when the days grow long. The season begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Easter Triduum (Maundy Thursday through Easter Day), covering 40 days (excluding Sundays which are little feasts of the Resurrection). Some believe that the word “Lent” may derive from the Latin lentare, which means “to bend.”  This understanding reinforces a sense of Lent as a time of preparation for personal and collective transformation.  Having nurtured ourselves through Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Lent becomes the time to look truthfully at ourselves and make changes.

In the early church, Lent was the time of preparation for the Easter, Pascha (Christian Passover) and baptism of converts to the faith. Persons were to receive the sacrament of “new birth” following a period of fasting, penitence, and preparation. Just as the children of Israel had been delivered from the bondage of Egyptian slavery, we are delivered from the bondage of sin.

Almsgiving and Outreach

Giving to others is important throughout the year, but especially during Lent.  Households can prayerfully consider what portion of their income they will share with the poor or those in need. Collecting money or food for those in need is an act of discipleship that recalls the practice of almsgiving of the early Church. There are a number of worldwide organizations, as well as local charities, in addition to specific Episcopal initiatives, that respond to disasters and provide additional ways for individuals to express their Lenten devotion. Using a family mite-box or jar/bowl for coins located at a central place where the family gathers for meals and prayers of thanksgiving can serve as a reminder to keep those who are in need foremost in our thoughts. Each evening the following table blessing can be prayed:

I was hungry: And you gave me food.

I was thirsty: And you gave me drink.

I was a stranger: And you welcomed me.

I was naked: And you clothed me.

I was ill: And you comforted me.

I was in jail: And you came to see me.

Lord Jesus Christ, make our Lenten offerings turn us toward all our brothers and sisters who are in need. Bless this table, our good food, and ourselves. Send us through Lent with good cheer and bring us to the fullness of your Passover. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.



Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing