Today is the commencement of the forty-day period of self-reflection called Lent.
The main purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer, penitence and almsgiving — for the annual commemoration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, as celebrated during Holy Week, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in the celebration of Easter.
Amy Galloway summed it up well in her meditation in the CRM Lent Devotional.
Lent is “sitting with our sinfulness much longer than we may be comfortable.” Without taking a hard look at the extent of our need, we may be unable to taste the goodness of the Lord. That’s why Jesus said to the Pharisee, “He who has been forgiven little loves little…” (Luke 7:47, NIV). How much more meaningful Easter becomes when I’ve contemplated anew my great need for atonement and his willingness to sacrifice on my behalf!
