Rediscovering the Message of Lent

Lent begins early this year because of a very early date for Easter in most Christian churches. On February 12, Ash Wednesday ushers in the season of Sundays on which Christians are asked to contemplate Jesus’ way to his death. Traditional piety has made Lent a period of self-examination, recognition of sinfulness, and seeking reconciliation with God on the basis of the sacrifice of God’s Son on the cross of Golgotha. Often, of course, Lent means very little. Modern American Christianity tends to leap from a cross of ashes, casually borne on one’s forehead on Ash Wednesday, right into the glory of Easter. Even Good Friday is barely observed and is not a public holiday anyway. However, where this traditional Christian piety is still meaningful, it tends to be no more than a private affair. The Gospel readings for the Lenten season speak a different language.