The season of Lent began yesterday.
From About.com:
What is Lent?
The Christian Season of Lent
Lent is the
Christian season of preparation before Easter. In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of
the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior
to Easter (Sundays
are not included in the count).
Lent is a
time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting,repentance, moderation and spiritual
discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ -
his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.
Not all
Christian churches observe Lent. Lent is mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist,Presbyterian and Anglican denominations,
and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days
preceding Palm Sunday with
fasting continuing during the Holy Week of
Orthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox
churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not
observed.
The Bible
does not mention the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and
mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1;
Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.
Since the Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, it
would appear that this is a man-made observance.
I think reflection on Jesus’ suffering, sacrifice and
resurrection makes sense; however, I wonder if a man-made prescription is
necessary to do this. Reflecting on our Lord and Saviour and the mercy and grace we receive from Him should be thought of more often that just 40 days before Easter.
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