We are half-way through Lent. Its 40 days are rooted in Jesus’ 40 day fast in the desert before his ministry began. It was a time of testing, repentance and renewal leading to crucifixion and his Resurrection on Easter.
Lent began when translators replaced the Latin word into everyday language using a word that referred to Spring or the lengthening of days (lencten). Spring is a season of renewal, yet ironically it is the most somber season of the Christian calendar. Not all protestants recognize Lent since it does not appear in the Bible. Originally Catholics observed Lent and now some Protestants do such as we Lutherans.
An aside for a grammar lesson. Lent is a noun which names something generally thought to be a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. When Pastor used the word “lenting” he made a verb attributing action to the concept of Lent. That is what came to my mind. As a reader you may disagree with me. But I am going to ask some questions; your answers may not be mine, and that is okay. Is lenting giving up chocolate or social media? Is lenting reflecting on what you have done in the past and asking to be forgiven? Is lenting a dark time for you? Does lenting make you feel sad that Jesus is going to die? Does lenting remind you that you should give more to the poor? Is driving your neighbor to doctor’s appointments lenting? Is helping a neighbor by shoveling snow or mowing a lawn lenting?
I believe lenting is a year-round activity. Lenting is getting out of ourselves and into others. Beyond the 40 days, we lent by serving breakfast monthly to the community; serving dinners and giving
clothes to Johnson school families.
We make meals for the homeless, pack food at Feed My Starving children, and we collect for the neighborhood food pantry. Year-round we knit for the sick and needy and make prayer squares. All of this is lenting at Trinity. Reflecting the Radical Love of Christ all year round, and honoring what he lived for, taught us, and died for.
