Lencten with the Holy

40. 

Examples within the Bible of a 40 day or 40 year period occur time and time again.

From a Biblical perspective, the number 40 symbolizes purification, transformation, new life, and spiritual growth.

It can also represent a period of testing or trial for the purpose of growing spiritually.

Purposefully entering into trying circumstances for 40 days allows one the opportunity to intentionally rely on the Holy for help and strength.

This was modeled for us by Jesus in Matthew 4, when he entered the wilderness and fasted for 40 days. After fasting those 40 days, he was tempted by the adversary. Despite being hungry, he was able to withstand and overcome all three temptations. We read that when the temptation was over, the adversary left him and the angels came and attended him.

Often, we read of fasting as a precursor to struggle. Moses, David, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jesus, Paul and Barnabas. There are many many examples of people fasting for strength, courage, and renewal.

The term Lencten is an old English word that means Spring Season.

For many years, I believed my favorite season was fall. I love the colors changing about me and the comfort of cold days shrouded in the warmth of friends and family. It is no doubt a special time of year.

But as time and life have passed, I have come to realize that while I enjoy fall, I need spring. It brings about the re-emergence of green grass and life. Spring allows me to breathe deeply again, to feel the sun on my face, to feel part of the world and no longer apart from it. Spring to me is the manifestation of hope, hope that felt lost with the settling of winter.

Lent is the shortened term of Lencten. It still means the spring season.

The liturgical calendar has identified Lent as a time to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. This practice is observed by numerous traditions within Christianity: Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Oriental Orthodox, church of the East, United Protestant, Roman Catholic, and some Anabaptist, Baptist, Reformed, Presbyterian, and other nondenominational churches.

Traditionally, Lent begins on Wednesday and with the 40 days ending on the Thursday before Easter. Some refer to this day as Maundy Thursday. Many beautiful things happened on Maundy Thursday: Jesus washed the disciples feet, the last supper occurred, the final discourse was given, but this was also the night that Jesus was arrested in the garden after being kissed by his friend.

And so, the Lenten time of fasting ends on the anniversary of Jesus arrest.

The tradition with which I have grown up in has not practiced Lent. As a community we have not engaged together in a 40 day fast.

The last few years I have toyed with the idea of Lent and given up a few things.

But this year, I am moved to dig deep into the experience of true fasting, true sacrifice. I want to engage in intentionally leaning into the Holy. I want to awake on Easter Sunday and truly rejoice in a strengthened relationship with the Holy.