Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

For centuries Christians have observed the days before Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter as a season of prayer and penitence. Called Lent, the days call to mind the sojourn of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, fasting and facing temptation in preparation for his public ministry. Lent offers persons an opportunity to join Jesus on this symbolic journey to the cross and resurrection.

Lent traditionally begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17 this year) and takes us to Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday begins the week-long period leading through Good Friday and Easter, what Christians call Holy Week.

The season of Lent is typically characterized by spiritual disciplines of penitence and preparation. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Matt. 6:1 – 18) are the usual practices emphasized by the Church during Lent. The practice of “giving up something for Lent” is a small piece of a larger movement of spiritual practice to which we are invited as Good Friday and Easter approach.

As a resource for Lent, I'll provide a daily reflection in this space through Lent. I'll post a thought each day related to the Scripture text for that day, and try to give you a prompt for prayer, should you choose to use it in your own prayer and meditation.

I'll begin the reflections next week on Ash Wednesday. You are invited to use the material in your own prayer, for your own journey through the days of Lent.

It feels awkward to wish someone a "good Lent," because the process of prayer, penitence, and preparation often uncovers in us that which does not feel good.

So here at the outset, I pray for you a "holy and honest Lent" as you move through the days attentive to your own deep connection to God.

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