Lent: A Season of Reflection and Renewal

LENT is a significant period in the Christian calendar, observed as a time of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. It lasts for forty days, beginning on Ash Wednesday (5 March 2025) and ending on Holy Saturday (19 April 2025), not counting Sundays. The forty days symbolize Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2, NRSV): “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.”

Lent is traditionally marked by fasting, prayer, and repentance. Fasting is a way of drawing closer to God by setting aside physical comforts, following Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 (NRSV): “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Prayer is central during Lent, as believers seek to strengthen their relationship with God. Jesus taught His disciples about prayer in Matthew 6:6 (NRSV): “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Repentance is another key aspect of Lent. Christians use this time to reflect on their lives, turn away from sin, and seek God’s forgiveness. Joel 2:12-13 (NRSV) calls for heartfelt repentance: “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

Lent ultimately prepares Christians for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. It reminds believers of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His victory over sin and death. Romans 6:4 (NRSV) declares: “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

Through fasting, prayer, and repentance, Lent becomes a season of renewal, helping Christians grow deeper in faith and devotion to God. Have a BLESSED SUNDAY!

~ TBCD NEWSLETTER | 16.03.2025

Share: