Why Good News Is Observing Lent
As we've talked about elsewhere, Good News is intentionally leaning into the church calendar this year. The goal is to see how this practice might more deeply anchor our daily lives in the story of Jesus and his redemption.
During Advent, we reminded ourselves that just as the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, we still wait for Jesus's glorious return. At Christmas we rejoiced that God came to us, to meet needs that we can’t even full appreciate. In Epiphany, we've learned about God's wonderful plan to extend his salvation far and wide—how the wise men are a first hint of Jesus's global mission.
The next season in the calendar is one that's both more recognizable but also more misunderstood: Lent.
For most of us who grew up in the Northeast, Lent is something our Irish or Italian friends observe. We notice that Catholic parishes start hosting fish fries, or that coworkers are "giving something up" for Lent.
So why is Good News—which is not a Catholic church—talking about Lent?
Let's look at the history, the Bible, and then what we plan to do.
A Brief History
Christians' observance of Easter has always been tied to the Old Testament Passover, and part of both events were times of fasting and prayer.
In fact, we have mention of pre-Easter fasting and self-reflection, dating all the way back to the Council of Nicea (this was centuries before the Church started celebrating Christmas.) Some observed a week of fasting, others a few days, but very early on there was a general preparation leading up to Easter that was forty days long.
But like many customs where the practice takes on a life of its own, by the Middle Ages Lent had been wrapped into a larger system of belief that taught Christians that regular obedience earned them spiritual favor, and that sin might later have to be paid for through purgatory.
At the time of the Reformation the protestant church was fairy split on how to deal with Lent. Some protestant churches kept a renovated season of Lent, while others abandoned the practice totally. Today many denominations observe Lent including Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, and some Presbyterians. Even some non-Denominational churches observe the season.
What Scripture Shows Us
When we look at the biblical material, three things stand out.
Fasting and self-denial are expected parts of discipleship. Jesus was clear that fasting ought to be a regular part of the Christian life (Matthew 6:16–18). More broadly, part of following Jesus is learning the art of self-denial (Luke 9:23). And this self-denial extends not just over our thoughts or habits but over our whole lives and bodies (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Forty days is a Bible-shaped time period. Forty is a number of completeness in Scripture. The flood rains lasted 40 days (Genesis 7:12); the people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (Deuteronomy 29:5); Moses was on the mountain for 40 days (Exodus 24:18); Nineveh had 40 days to repent (Jonah 3:4); and most significantly, Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2).
The church is meant to encourage each other through difficulties. In Romans 15, Paul reminds us that "we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." And in Galatians 6, he directly links our self-evaluation with our care for those struggling with sin.
So to summarize: Lent is a historic church practice rooted in the clear teaching of Scripture. Both Protestants and Catholics have observed it. Lent is an opportunity to step back from our daily routines so that we can more fully step into the resurrection life that we celebrate at Easter.
Some Helpful Ground Rules
- Sundays don't count. The Lord's Day is a celebration of Christ's victory over sin and death. It's not cheating during a season of fasting to celebrate on Sunday.
- Remember that self-denial is good. Our culture tells us constantly to indulge ourselves. There's wisdom in pushing back against that.
- "Wash your face." If you decide that part of self-denial is giving something up for Lent, try not to make it about you. Jesus warned about fasting as performance rather than an opportunity to let our longing drive us toward the God who provides.
- Check your heart. The Bible tells us there's a godly grief that produces repentance and a worldly grief that kills. A time of self-reflection is meant to help you see more clearly all the ways God must be at work in you. If you're tempted to despair because your sin has pushed God away, remember: God is near to the brokenhearted.
- Don't give up something that doesn't matter. If you don't like black licorice, giving it up won't cost you anything.
- Consider picking something up. Instead of giving something up, maybe this is a season to start a better habit.
- Remember: "It is finished." This isn't tryouts for the team. Jesus has done everything necessary for us to be called God's beloved children. Lent is about learning to live better in our Father's house.
An Invitation
I'd invite you to take some time over the next two weeks and consider that Lent is an invitation to reboot our daily lives. What could a reboot look like for you? Are there things that have become too important that you need to put down? Are there important things you've neglected?
And to make sure this isn't just a rustic individual activity, starting February 18th Good News Church will offer an Evening prayer service at 6:30 PM every Wednesday throughout Lent. I hope you'll join us. (PS we changed it from early morning)