I’m Not Catholic…

But I observe Lent.  I keep Lent because I’m a follower of Jesus.  I respect the journey, not so much the ritual. If you keep a daily planner or schedule your weeks around a purchased calendar you can’t escape the influence of the seasons of the church.  These seasons revolve around the life of Jesus (birth and his death).  The purpose of these seasons is to infuse our lives with meaning that adds depth to our journey of faith.

The season of Lent involves Jesus’ death.  Beginning tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, we enter the Lent season.  Lent began as a time of preparation for baptismal candidates who would be baptized on Easter Sunday.  But since these baptismal candidates were part of a living community of faith (like Graceland), the entire community was called to preparation.  So, Lent, a season of preparation for Holy Week and Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, and culminates with Holy Week.

Why would a Christ follower, who has no roots in Catholicism, practice Lent?  Because these season invite us to participate and move past the regular cycle of “day in and day out” and the week to week to engage a larger, historical and meaningful event.  Lent is a season of deep reflection that ends with a great celebration of Easter.  It incites in us the sacrifice Jesus made for us as we fast.  As we find quiet corners in our day to speak with God, we share the same silence as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Likewise, as Jesus stood between us and God we show justice toward others during Lent (as we should 365 days a year).

Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them close to God, and often give time (or money) toward charitable purposes or organizations. Without doubt many misuse these seasons but even unbelievers sin of Fat Tuesday and make temporary sacrifice until Easter.  I believe God honors any desire, no matter the reason, that draws us toward Him rather than static or backward motion.

That is why I observe Lent.  I encourage you to do the same.