Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent – it all began on February 18th. Lent was first observed within 120 years of Jesus’ death. This was a period of 40 days during which new converts and people who wanted to return to the church would quickly study scripture and prepare for the rituals and practices of believers. The season of Lent was formalized in 325 AD, and Ash Wednesday would be added to the sacred practices 700 years later.
But what does it all mean to people in the 21st century? How important is the black smudge on Ash Wednesday and fasting for Lent? Like everything else when it comes to our faith and our spirit, it’s only as important as we make it, and it means whatever we decide.
God’s invitation is that the season of Lent be a transformative journey—one that leads us through the wilderness of self-reflection and into the promise of renewal. Rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, this sacred season offers Christians the opportunity to examine their hearts, deepen their relationship with God, and renew their commitment to living as Christ’s followers.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Lent calls us to pause and refocus, encouraging spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, and acts of service. These practices are not meant to be burdens but rather avenues to reconnect with God and others. Whether you choose to give something up or take something on, the goal is the same: to draw closer to the divine and align your life with God’s will.
When I was young, I would give up chocolate or Diet Coke because they were a sacrifice, and I understood they were simply a way to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf. Of course, they couldn’t begin to compare with what Jesus went through.
These days, I try to take on one spiritual practice and let go of one obstacle in my life that challenges my relationship with Jesus. One of the best combinations was Lent 2017. I lived in Austin and regularly drove on MoPac. I added a prayer time, and I fasted from yelling at other drivers. I broke my fast the night I drove to the Ash Wednesday service, and it was then that I realized how hard this was going to be.
I immediately caught myself and started singing a song to the other driver, changing all the words to “love.” By the end of the 40 days, I found myself praying blessings for the drivers who would have irritated me. I realized how much closer I felt to God when I intentionally loved the neighbors on the highway.
We invite you to join us for this meaningful season of reflection and growth if you don’t already have a church home. You can find details on our different Lenten opportunities at www.ccgrace.cc. May your Lent be filled with God’s presence!
Pastor Michele Lott
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
