becoming

Lent: Proceed Slowly.

Some very wise words for all of us as we begin the season of Lent:

Lent cannot be separated from Easter. It is a journey toward Easter, a 40-day preparation for a feast. Easter, with its celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, is also a celebration of our participation in Easter, in resurrection and new life. This has been symbolized historically by the practice, in some places, of reserving baptisms for Easter, and using Lent as a preparation not only for Pascha but for baptism. This is not a wise practice, but the theological logic behind it make sense: We have been baptized into the new life of the kingdom, but we are frequently forgetful of the life we have in Jesus and need to be restored. Lent has been part of the church’s assistance in keeping us focused on the life we have in Jesus. Each year, we are given 40 days to refocus on the resurrection, to purge out the old leaven of hypocrisy, sloth, and nominalism, and to renew our baptisms.

— Peter Leithart

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Yes, Advent and Lent are similar in this way: they are both “transparent seasons” through which we anticipate the future of God. Lent can truly be Lent when we don’t just focus on the letting-go, purging-out and giving-up, but to see them as means to clear our eyes and senses to something far greater and more important.

In Lent, we are called to look through the season for things that is to come, by the One who is with us.

I am going to lead a discussion and workshop on overcoming temptations tonight and 2 weeks after. The first of the 2 will focus on case studies and person reflections, while the second one will be in a lecture format.

While working on Christian's struggles to overcome sin and bondage, it suddenly dawn on me that there is no coincidence that the focus of Lent is precisely that. Take a look at this quote from today's Lent reading:

How was it that David didn’t see himself in the story (cf. II Samuel 12:1-24)? Had he convinced himself that, since he didn’t do the actual act of killing, he wasn’t really responsible? As king of Israel, he was sworn to protect his people, yet his lust made him commit an act he knew was wrong. Since God knows us better than we know ourselves, why did David think he could get away with murder? Maybe he just didn’t think about it. 

And isn't that obvious why you must go and watch this movie on the subject of Slavery? [HT: Anson]

Today marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) before Easter. The first day of Lent is traditionally known as Ash Wednesday.

At the service of this day, we are once again reminded about ourselves as the priest or minister will say to you: 

"Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."

"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

A few Ash Wednesday resources and links about Lent can be found here and here.