The First Day of Lent or Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

 Scripture, in general and our readings today in particular, points to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in Scripture, especially in today's Gospel reading from St. Matthew 6. This reading makes it clear that a disciple's attitude in fasting is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical and ostentatious. 

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time or Bible study is good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. 

However, such externals are not the most important thing about Lent; the most important aspects of Lent are remembering what God has done through Jesus Christ and having a humble, faithful attitude. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So, during Lent, let us focus on devotion to God and on greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.

Observing Lent

The first day of Lent  in western Christianity is always on a Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. The name Lent is from an Anglo-Saxon word, but the season is older than the word. This season of preparation before the Crucifixion and Resurrection has a long history among Christians. It began in the early church with two basic purposes: 1) instruction and preparation for those about to be baptized, and 2) a time for repentance and renewal for those already baptized. 

Historically, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some others have retained the basics of the church calendar, including Lent. This season has been seen as a useful tradition to encourage repentance, voluntary devotion, and preparation for Easter. At the same time, Anglicans have stressed some Christian freedom with regard to human works and traditions. While the Prayer Book provides general rules about observing Lent, Lenten devotions must not become legalistic. Practices such as fasting, alms-giving, Bible studies, or special prayers can help our spiritual growth, but they do not earn righteousness before God. In other words, human traditions about Lent or other devotions can be useful, but in themselves, such practices do not make people virtuous.

Although Christian devotions and disciplines can be good, our attitudes and beliefs are more important. Only Jesus Christ can set us right with God. Lent, like every other observance, is meant to call us to repentance and to faith in Christ.  So any special devotions during this season should point us to the work of Jesus Christ. The real purpose of our Lenten practices is always to recall us to faith in the central truths of the Gospel.