Lent brings up a lot of questions for those outside the Christian faith. Why do we need to prepare for these days? Why do some Christians practice sacrifice by giving something up for that time period? What is this all about?
Lent starts in winter, when the days are short and the weather is cold. It is a time of darkness outside and can feel that way spiritually. It is a time for looking inward and examining ourselves. Are we walking the path God has laid out for us?
That is one of the purposes of Lent; self examination in a Christian manner. In order to feel the bright joy of Easter, the dark days of Lent must occur. One won’t happen without the other.
The question of self sacrifice is another issue that is not understood. Christ sacrificed Himself as a final atonement. Why should we give something up? That is something that is personal for most of us. My view may not be the same is everyone else’s. I believe it’s a way of glimpsing what was done for us so that we can have a greater understanding of what Easter really means.
Lent brings us to Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we remember the Triumphal Entry; when Jesus came into Jerusalem and was hailed by the people. They didn’t understand what Christ was going to do. They were looking for an earthly king and an earthly salvation. They wanted someone to conquer their enemies and take up David’s line again.
Maundy Thursday is when we recognize the institution of communion. It is also the day that Jesus was taken and tried. The old covenant between the Children of Israel and God was made through Abraham. Later, it was reinforced by Moses at Mt. Sinai. Communion is the new covenant, the one that recognizes what Christ did and what we are.
Good Friday is marked as the day Christ was crucified and was buried. His followers didn’t have a clue what was going on. I’ve thought about it, and under the same circumstances, I wouldn’t have gotten it, either. They were grieving and afraid until the women went to the tomb and found it empty.
These are also important parts of preparing for Easter. It is a study of contrasts. The darkness outside, the remembered fear of the disciples all are dispelled on that Sunday morning. Unlike Advent, which is often celebrated quite festively, these preparations must be inside. It is a time for reflection. The celebration comes on Easter.