By: George Ozalla
As many Christians around the world mark the beginning of the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday today, they are reminded of the significance of Christ’s passion, suffering, and eventual crucifixion.
This 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection is a solemn moment for many Christians to atone for their sins, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to their faith.
While not all Christian denominations observe the Lenten season, many traditional Christian churches, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, and some Methodist and Presbyterian churches, participate in this sacred tradition.
The Lenten season is firmly rooted in biblical tradition, with references to fasting and repentance found throughout the Old and New Testaments.
In the book of Joel, we read, “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). This call to repentance and fasting is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, preparing for his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
Significantly, Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season, is a poignant reminder of our mortality and the need for repentance, recognizing that one day we shall stand before the judgement seat of God Almighty.
As many Christians receive the ashes on their foreheads, they are reminded of the words of Genesis, “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). This somber reminder of our mortality is a call to reflect on our lives, our priorities, and our relationship with God and by extension our fellow human being.
The Lenten season is also a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and love for humanity. As many Christians journey through these 40 days in deep reflection, they are reminded of the words of St. Paul, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Christ’s death on the cross is a powerful reminder of God’s love and mercy, and the Lenten season is a time to reflect on this sacrifice and to seek forgiveness for our sins.
Fasting and prayer are essential components of the Lenten season.
Fasting is a way of disciplining our bodies and minds, and of seeking spiritual renewal. As Jesus taught, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18).
Prayer is also a vital part of the Lenten season. As many Christians reflect on Christ’s passion and suffering, they are reminded of the importance of prayer in their lives. Jesus himself prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane, seeking guidance and strength from his Father (Matthew 26:36-46). As many Christians pray during the Lenten season, they seek to deepen their relationship with God, to seek forgiveness for their sins, and to find strength and guidance for their lives.
The Lenten season is also a time for acts of charity and kindness, reaching out those in need. As many Christians reflect on Christ’s love and sacrifice for them, they are reminded of the importance of loving and serving others. Jesus taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and throughout the Lenten season, many Christians are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
As many Christians journey through the Lenten season, they are also reminded of the words of St. Paul, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).
May this promise of redemption guide us throughout the Lenten season, and may we emerge from this journey renewed, refreshed, redeemed and continue to live both right and righteous!
