A reflection by Ben Leighton
When it comes to Christian disciplines, it seems like ‘fasting’ doesn’t quite get the same attention as some of our other practices. There are many parts of the world, and the church, that prioritise fasting as a central element of the Christian life, but this isn’t always the case. For me, growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, regular fasting was certainly encouraged. There was a leaning towards ‘Fish Fridays’ and an expectation that everyone would fast something for Lent. But it seems that Lent is a bit of an exception.
Whilst a regular practice of fasting might not be something that’s widely spread—often in the church as well as outside it—Lent is a season that’s more socially embraced. It might be that Lent functions as a slightly later ‘reset’ moment after all the good intentions of January have waned. An opportunity to give up chocolate, social media, or alcohol. Or maybe, to take something up, like running, eating well, or reading. However, whilst all of these things are good, they point towards something profound.
Recently, I’ve been reading Esau McCaulley’s short book, Lent. He notes that in the early church, the forty days of Lent were connected to pre-baptismal fasting. Lent was an occasion in which those preparing to be baptised would observe a period of repentance before following Jesus.”
Recently, I’ve been reading Esau McCaulley’s short book, Lent. He notes that in the early church, the forty days of Lent were connected to pre-baptismal fasting. Lent was an occasion in which those preparing to be baptised would observe a period of repentance before following Jesus. Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, reminds us of our mortality. The foreign intrusion of sin and death, and our complicity with these anti-God forces, has brought corruption and decay to God’s good creation.
At this time of year, the ground is hard with frost and the days are short. There is a scarcity of new life. Yet, in the midst of this, whilst recognising our mortality, we are reminded of the events of Holy Week. The life that has come and is to come.
Of course, Lent is not just a period observed by those preparing for baptism. McCaulley teaches that throughout church history, Lent also came to be a time of (1) reconciliation for those estranged from the church, and (2) a call for the church to repent and renew its commitment to Jesus. Lent, then, is also a time for the church, and those estranged from her, to reflect on our life with God, to regain anything that may have been lost, and to renew our commitment to Jesus. The way that we do this can look totally different from place to place, church to church, and person to person, but as McCaulley says, this difference draws on the diverse wisdom of the church.
So, as we approach Lent, whilst we might be tempted to look ahead to the Easter feast, it serves us well to sit in our morality for a while, to reflect on our walk with God, and to remember the life that comes through the outpouring of Christ.