I’m not Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, or Orthodox. I have never observed Lent in my life and had to look it up to find out what it was. In my quest to understand traditional Christianity better, I have decided to observe Lent this year.
According to Wikipedia:
Converts to Christianity followed a strict catechumenate or period of instruction and discipline. In Jerusalem near the close of the fourth century, classes were held throughout Lent for three hours each day. With the legalization of Christianity (by the Edict of Milan) and its later imposition as the state religion of the Roman Empire, its character was endangered by the great influx of new members. In response, the Lenten fast and practices of self-renunciation were required annually of all Christians. The less zealous of the converts were thus brought more securely into the Christian fold.
This seems to have been a very wise thing to do - especially in an evangelical church in which there is a constant influx of new members. In fact, it seems like a great idea even today. One role of tradition is to bring stability. Another is to pass wisdom from one generation to the next. The practice of Lent if followed as described would serve to do those things.
Traditionally Lent is a period when you give up something. One of the vices I most enjoy is a glass of wine or a beer in the evening. I’m giving this up for Lent. I’ll also try to make a point of doing some study and prayer every day.
I also observed fat Tuesday by eating a couple Paczki. (sheepish grin…)
Man, I haven’t had the courage to eat a Paczki in years. Please accept my sympathies on behalf of your arteries.
Our habit-robed tour-guide at a Catholic girls HS wore a pin with 3 letters “PMS”. Yeah, I’m curious, and definitely feeling a bit awkward, but I overcame. “May I ask what the pin’s message is?”
She flashed a big smile: “It’s our message about Lent: ‘Pardon My Smile,’ it’s Lent.”
Let me recommend a short book. It’s from an Orthodox perspective written by Fr. Alexander Schmemann and is entitled “Great Lent.” Lent has become associated with fasting and abstinence from certain foods. And that is certainly part of it but it’s much, much more.
I wish you the best as you begin to explore ancient Christianity. I started down the same path years ago. I have been brought, arguing and resisting all the way, from Evangelicalism to Calvinism to Anglicanism to Orthodoxy.
What an interesting post, especially from someone who converted to Catholicism a few years ago. I also had never observed Lent and hadn’t a clue what it was all about. Now I find that Lent is a powerful time in the Church season, especially the more I “put into it”. If I really try to pray and read the bible more (as you mentioned doing), or go to mass more, or take part in the special services at Church during this time, I definitely feel I am brought closer to God each year. It culminates with the Easter Vigil Mass - always extra special and beautiful as new converts are welcomed to the faith.
I second the comment about Lent making Easter that much better!! I especially recommend investigating both the Eastern Christian traditions (Orthodoxy and Byzantine Catholicism) AND the Roman Catholic traditions to get a feel for the different emphases in each. It’s a beautiful complementarity which John Paul II aptly brought together when he said, “We must breathe with both lungs–the East and the West.”