Words by: The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with a special service where Christian pilgrims are marked with the sign of the cross in ash upon their foreheads. It marks the beginning of a 40-day journey of self-examination which includes penitence and renewal. The intention is to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during Holy Week and Easter. Taken seriously, it can be a fruitful and renewing experience that leads to the re-orientating of our lives where we have wandered from our commitment to follow Christ.
Traditionally Lent is marked with study, fasting, prayer and almsgiving. As part of stripping away the clutter and allowing ourselves to focus on our spiritual health, abstinence is a way of simplifying our lives. Likewise doing something for others or giving away some of our possessions can be part of this spiritual detox and an expression of almsgiving. There is a good discipline in taking something up that is life-giving to others rather giving up favourite personal treats.
Our worship is also simplified and appears more stark and stripped of embellishment. There is no singing of the Gloria or Alleluias, no flowers and a more subdued hymnody.
During Lent candidates for Confirmation and Baptism are prepared for initiation at Easter and in times past, those who had been excommunicated because of grave sins, undertook penance in order to be received back into the church on Easter day.
The serious observance of a Holy Lent can lead to a greater sense of joy and a deeper experience of forgiveness and new life when after the 40 days, the Easter feast is celebrated with great exuberance.
During Lent, Canon Dr Mark Hocknull will be giving a series of Lent addresses at Evensong each Sunday at 3.45pm.
If you are looking for ways to give to the needy then The Compassionate Lincoln website, the Community Larder and the homeless charity The Nomad Trust are all local to us.
