Greetings …
I’d like to share with the introduction from a study series The Call to Discipleship: Six Lenten studies on what it means to follow Jesus. The series is written by Rev Dr Christopher Walker, Uniting Church Minister.
We are now in the Season of Lent, a time in the Christian year that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy (Easter) Saturday. During this the Church remembers the life and ministry of Jesus and renews its commitment to him in the Christian discipleship. While we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, the season of Lent reflects on the costly love of God for us shown in Jesus’ life and death, and in confronting the powers that would crucify him. We are to take up our cross by renouncing self-interest and commit ourselves to Jesus and the kingdom of God he proclaimed.
The forty-day period of Lent was modelled on the fast of Jesus after his baptism and before he commenced his public ministry. Initially the fast did not exceed two or three days before Easter. In the early church it became a period of preparation for those who were then baptised at Easter which developed into Lent. Later, with infant baptism common, Easter was a time for confirmations after a period of instruction during Lent.
It also became a period of devotional observance for all followers of Jesus. Three elements were involved: fasting, praying and acts of Christian compassion, such as giving. St Peter Chrysologus, a fifth century bishop, wrote in a sermon: “Prayer, compassion, fasting – these three are one, and they give each other life. For fasting is the soul of prayer, compassion is the life of fasting. Let no one tear them apart, for they cannot be separated. In recent times, fasting has often been replaced by the renunciation of something, giving up coffee, chocolate or fast food over Lent. The money saved is typically given to the poor through Christian agencies.
Lent calls us to go deeper in our service of God and our compassion for others. May it be a time when are all able to ‘lean in’ just that little bit more.
Blessings – Heather.