The Lengthening of Days

The name Lent comes from the Old English lencten, meaning spring or lengthening of days. And that makes sense: Lent is always celebrated in the spring. Even though officially, spring is a month away, it’s currently 80 degrees, and the daffodils are in bloom all around. And come Easter, the dogwoods will be in bloom. So, it certainly feels like the beginning of Lent is ushering in spring.

But Lent doesn’t look very springlike. In Latin, Lent is Quadragesima, after 40. The 40 days of Lent reflect the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. It calls to mind dryness, barrenness, resisting temptation. In German, the season is Fastenzeit, or “fasting time.” Spring is supposed to be about plenty and life, but Lent is about restraint and sacrifice.

But restraint and sacrifice isn’t the point of Lent, in and of themselves. Lent is a preparation. We are called to die to self. But the Christian message is that death is not the end, death is not victorious. We die to self to live in Christ. Lent prepares for Easter and resurrection.

If we just bask in the warm weather and sunny evenings but don't work in the garden, then, despite spring's virility and the soil's richness, we won't reap any food. If we just show up on Easter morning with new hats and chocolate bunnies, we won't really be changed by Christ's sacrifice and victory. 

If we truly want to celebrate the fruits of the Resurrection, we need to live a life in Christ. That takes reflection, effort, and sacrifice. Lent is the tilling of the soil, the weeding of the garden. It is the work done in order to make the garden grow.