The Intent of Lent

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Providentially, on this first day of Lent, my devotional reading took me through these verses today.
So I'll take it as a sign to put some thoughts out there:


1. Lent is dangerous
In the sinful heart, there is always the danger of using it self-righteously, which Jesus warns against.  Focusing overly much on what we are giving up, as if that's the main point, distorts the intent of Lent.  As with other holidays (like Christmas!) Lent has been done badly in the past.


2. Lent should neither be required nor banned universally

• Many throw out Lent because of its dangers and past abuses.  This is a matter of conviction without clear Scriptural direction.  Many things in life are prone to abuse, but should not be avoided: marriage, work, prayer...  everything, really!
• Some refuse Lent because it is not in the Bible.  But Jesus does not forbid taking part in extra-Biblical ritual observances or seasons like Lent.  We see this from John 10:22, where Jesus is in the temple during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), which was not prescribed in the Old Testament.
• On the other side, Lent advocates can be too insistent that everyone observe it as a season fixed in the heavens.  Zechariah 7:1-12; 8:18-19 teach that such seasons can be useful, but that it can also be timely and appropriate to ignore or change them.
• I would offer a suggestion to those unfamiliar with the Lenten season: explore the meaning of Lent (this is a pretty good start), peruse various practices, and follow the Lord's leading in what you do.  An Ash Wednesday service later today?  Changing your routine or a habit?  "Giving something up?"  Readings in the Gospels about Jesus' ministry?  A Good Friday service?  There are many options to consider, and they are personal decisions others shouldn't foist on you, though joining a church-wide activity is also good.  As with everything else in the Christian life, there is a personal and a corporate aspect.  These days people tend to ignore the corporate to their detriment.
• So if your church does a specific thing for Lent, join it, by all means.  But remember that your soul may need something else or in addition in this season.  Tend your own soul even as you take part in the life of your church as fully as you can.

3.  Jesus assumes the principle of Lent
Fasting is assumed by Jesus, though there seems to be no Scriptural requirement for it.
Many readers of the above verses wrongly take away the idea that Jesus was against fasting, but the opposite is true.  "WHEN you fast," He says.  When you pray, fast or give, don't do it so others see you; do it for God alone.  That's the point of Matthew 6.  This also refutes the argument that the New Testament should be less fast-heavy than the Old, and the Old wasn't very fast heavy.  On the contrary, when the Bridegroom is taken away from us, then we will fast and mourn (Matthew 9:15).  The Christian life is not one long party with no sorrow, and our rituals and worship should reflect this somehow.


4. Lent should be about Jesus
Every season in the church liturgical calendar is meant to focus us on some aspect of Christ.  When you are new to such things it can be easy to focus on how YOU are observing the day or season.  Give that less importance and attention, so you can do what the calendar intends: focus you in an annual rhythm on Jesus and all He is and has done for us.

Lent comes after Christmas, Epiphany, and Transfiguration Sunday, when we remember the Incarnation, advent, and birth of the glorious Light of the world.  Now in Lent the focus is the earthly ministry of Jesus: teaching, healing, suffering - His humiliation in this world for us, culminating in the cross.  Just before His transfiguration, He calls the disciples to take up their cross, deny themselves and follow Him.

This is the Lenten call.  Not to convince ourselves we are good Christians by giving up fancy coffee, or to go off on some Quixotic quest to earn our own salvation by our pious practices. We are simply to follow in His steps, laying down our lives for others out of love.  Lent reminds us of this and gives us some practices to move us in that direction.