Lent is not punishment

I cannot believe how fast the time has been flying by. Here we are just out of a winter “blizzard” and already it is the season of Lent. March 5 of 2025 is Ash Wednesday and the next 40 days (not counting Sunday’s) will be a journey to Easter.

This has been a tradition in many churches since the 4th century.

Lent is the 40 days before Easter for reflection, repentance and fasting. For many March 4 will be Fat Tuesday, and pancakes will be the order of the day.

The idea is to get rid of all the sweet stuff in one great big swoop. Again, a tradition in many of the older denominations.

For me, Lent is a time to contemplate what Christ has done for me. As I think about His journey to the cross, I realize that my journey will also end at a cross.

The difference being that where the Cross meant death for Christ, the cross is Life for me. My journey through these 40 days helps me to focus on what it means to be a Christ follower.

Sundays, during Lent, are special. The Church, since the very beginning, celebrated Sundays as little Easters. Since Christ rose on a Sunday, then it stands to reason that each Sunday on the calendar should be celebrated as a resurrection day.

This is why Sundays are not in the 40-day count.

Now, many people will try to fast in some way during Lent. Some may give up sweets, or chocolate. Some will fast during the day.

I, for one season fasted from Television. (That really put a damper on March Madness). Whatever you choose for your fast, (if that is what you do) just remember is isn’t about what you stop, it’s about what you develop.

The Lenten fast is supposed to be about focusing on God. The idea is to remove a distraction from your life so that you can focus deeper on Christ and His love for you.

Fasting from food means going to prayer when the hunger pang kicks in. For me, fasting from the T.V. meant using that time to pray, and study God’s word.

Just keep in mind that whatever act or tradition you decide to do (even if you decide not to participate) the focus is always about Christ. Lent is not meant to be a time of punishment, but a time of getting closer with our Redeemer and Savior.

I think many people forget this.

The most wonderful thing about Lent is that it leads to Easter. The empty tomb means we now can refill our lives. Sometimes that new habit of Lent takes a permanent role in our lives, and sometimes we just go back to where we were before.

Regardless, if you take on a Lenten practice, your life will not be the same.

If you want to learn more about Lent, or even Ash Wednesday, ask your minister, or contact me. It really isn’t a bad practice.

Just a thought

Shalom My Friends and I hope to see you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.