A Devotion for a Holy Lent

Dear friends,

I realized that, when I wrote my email last week, I made some assumptions about our common understanding of Lent, and other church-y words and names like “Ash Wednesday.” I forget that, as Christians, we can become so familiar with terms like, that we fail to explain them as we use them. This can happen in any community. I know this was my experience for the first few months in Disaster Recovery work. LTRO, ERT, UMVIM, UMCOR – I couldn’t keep them all straight!

So, in the spirit of using language that opens doors, and doesn’t exclude – let’s debunk some words about this season, and delve into what it could mean for us as people of God and people of God called to the work of recovery.

The time of year in the church that we entered last Wednesday is often referred to as Lent. If you’ve never observed Lent before, or if it means nothing more to you than “forty days without chocolate/wine/Facebook,” or “forty days to feel guilty about not going to the gym,” then here are a few thoughts to introduce you to this ancient Christian season. Lent is more than just a season— it’s a spiritual practice.

The word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten meaning “springtime.” There is quality of Lent that can almost seem contradictory – it’s a time of fasting and repentance and self-denial, but it is also a time of looking ahead – to anticipating the blossoms, the new growth of spring and the hope of Easter.

Lent therefore, is not about the absence of joy or separation from God. Rather, it is a time that we are called to simple rhythms, to strip away the busy-ness and distraction that can disconnect us from the holiness all around us. Through silence and reflection and emptiness, Lent invites us to connect with a joy that often is hidden by the commotion of everyday life.

But what is the point of this season called Lent? Is it really a season to just wallow in guilt? To feel extra sorry for the ways that we fall short?

There’s another way to look at Lent, one that draws the focus not just on our own brokenness, but rather centers this season on God’s mercy. We know that God’s forgiveness, God’s love is not affected by our efforts. We receive God’s grace as a gift, fully given and unearned.

Lent is not something we practice to make God change.

It is rather a response to God’s great love for us, to bring about a change in us.
Think of it this way: when a storm or disaster hits, we do not blame the survivor or community. We do not ask that they repent for being unprepared or having delayed maintenance on their home. Rather, we come alongside to help individuals and communities become more resilient, to build relationships that connect them with one another and with the sacred in their lives.

We are not God in this equation. But we can and should convey God’s great love, and God’s desire to see each of God’s children live in wholeness and fullness.

So it is with Lent; the act of reflecting on our own brokenness, and the things that we have failed to do is only part of the Lenten practice. Making changes, stripping away things that distract, practicing simplicity – these are the acts that pave the way for the hope of Easter morning.

During this season, there are many ways that you can practice a faithful Lent. Just like every survivor’s recovery will look different, so will each of our Lents. As we ask the question “How does this action/step aid in furthering a client’s recovery?” let us also ask ourselves “How does this practice/habit further my relationship with God?” As we work for wholeness for our clients, may we also seek renewal, a deeper relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.

With you on the journey,

Chaplain Amy