Notes for Beginning the Lenten Season

The season of Lent reminds us of Jesus’ forty days of preparation in the wilderness before his crucifixion in Jerusalem.  The purpose of Lent is expressed in the “Invitation to a Holy Lent” which is read at the beginning of today’s services. Lent is a season of “penitence and forgiveness” and the opportunity for “self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” 

Our Lenten services will also reflect this period of Jesus’ ministry and the season of penitence by beginning with “A Penitential Order” and the confession of sin. Visually, the use of greens instead of flowers, the wooden processional crosses, and the off-white Lenten array of the hangings and altar cloth and purple clergy stoles call attention to a season that is more somber and penitential than any other.  The “Gloria in Excelsis” and all “Alleluias” are omitted; we say the memorial acclamation (Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again) and the Amen at the end of the Eucharistic prayer. 

Musically, the organ is heard without the brilliant mixture sounds, hymn reharmonizations and descants are not used, preludes are quiet, and postludes are replaced with silence. Pottery and glassware replace our silver and brass. These changes represent the simple lifestyle of our Lord during his wilderness temptation and passion.  They also provide an opportunity to focus our thoughts and prayers and listen to the voice of God. The bursting power and beauty of Easter and the great fifty days that follow will be appreciated more fully following this period of Lenten simplicity.