From the Pastor – February 2008

It seems like we’ve just gotten over Christmas, and we’re already talking about Lent. Lent this year begins February 6th, and Easter is March 23. Why is it so early?

Unlike Christmas, which comes at the same time every year (December 25), the date of Easter fluctuates. It is based upon a lunar (as opposed to solar) calendar, and occurs on the first Sunday following the first full moon of the spring equinox (a.k.a. the first day of Spring). This year, that first full moon will be March 21.

Lent always begins 40 days before Easter. This is based upon the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, as well as with the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Those of you who are good at math might look at your calendars and say, “hey, wait a minute; there are more than 40 days between February 6th and March 23rd.” That’s because Sundays don’t count. Sundays in the Church are seen as “little Easters,” with the result that they are not included in the 40 days of Lent.

For the early Christians, the time of Lent was a time of spiritual reflection, repentance, and fasting. This was the time when confirmands would receive their training, in preparation for church membership.

These ancient traditions can still be useful for 21st Century Christians. We all need those times when we can take an honest look at our lives, and change those things which make us less than who we can be. This is especially true for those of us seeking to regain our “passionate spirituality.”

Pastor Tony