Our English word "Lent" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word which means "to lengthen" and is associated with the lengthening of days in the spring. The color for this season of the year is violet, which tells us that this season is one of self-examination and discipline. During this time of sanctioned reflection and cleansing we prepare our hearts for new life at Easter, jettisoning those things that separate us from Jesus.

For the first two centuries, this period of preparation for Easter amounted to forty hours in commemoration of the time Jesus spent in the tomb. By the early third century, this observance had extended to six days, and in 325 A.D., the earliest reference to a forty-day period is found. By the eighth century, Ash Wednesday was recognized as the beginning of Lent, a name derived from ancient times when sackcloth and ashes were symbols of repentance. We here at the Second Church observe a voluntary imposition of ashes and an evening service remembering our baptism.

Lent concludes with Holy Week as we are determined to accompany Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, share the Last Supper, bear witness to the crucifixion and burial, and experience the joy of the mystery and the truth of resurrection!

No sackcloth required -