As we approach the upcoming
celebration of Easter, many churches observe the penitential period known as
Lent. The observance of Lent began
during the 2nd century as a period of fasting in preparation for
Easter. Early Christians believed so
strongly in the significance of what Jesus had done for them that they felt the
need to prepare themselves, so that they could be worthy to celebrate Easter,
thus the beginning of Lent. Over the
next couple centuries the period of time was extended to 40 days before Easter
not including Sundays. This transferred
into 46 days beginning on a Wednesday, which became known as Ash
Wednesday. Churches today observe Ash
Wednesday with special services and by placing an ashen cross on the foreheads
of believers.
In today’s society the original
significance of Lent has been greatly reduced.
In the words of one contemporary song we tell Jesus, “You are worthy of
my praise.” We should turn that the
other way and become concerned about whether or not we are worthy of what Jesus
did for us, just as the early Christians did.
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