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 (less Sundays).
The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus – his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death and resurrection.
The actual word means – to lengthen, and is marked by the lengthening of days as we enter the season of Spring.
Lent is a preparation for Easter and is often shown by giving up something, often foods that we especially like; chocolate, cakes and biscuits are good examples. But Lent can also be a time for real reflection.
There are many Lent courses and the two included are both good ways of exploring meanings and an understanding of life today and the role of Christianity.
The Norwich diocese course(as illustrated) is part of the Lent project with Uganda and can be downloaded for free. The material is written by Rev’d Dr Medad Birungi Zinomuhangi, President & Founder-World Shine Ministries.
The Church Urban Fund course looks at issues of poverty today in the UK and can be downloaded for free. Searching for the truth behind the news headlines and discovering realities for people who live on the edge.
Or try Christian Aid Count Your Blessings? Bite size pieces of daily thoughts on life’s issues in a gentle but real way.
So, let’s get going in Lent, wake up to life around us and the Easter story in 40 days time.
Rev’d Sue Martin
Curate in Gayton group of parishes.
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