Lent 2022

The liturgical calendar is a wonderful gift that helps us build the spiritual muscle memory necessary to live through life’s great joys and deep sorrows, and to have the knowledge that our faith, our community, and God will carry us through it all. The liturgical season of Lent reminds us that God chose to live through the unspeakable horrors that life can bring, and in doing so, demonstrates God’s presence with us when we, too, find life’s challenges to be tremendous. Entering into our second Lent in the time of a Pandemic, perhaps we especially need the rhythms of reflection, quiet, and prayer that this season holds. Self-examination and repentance may take on different meanings as we examine ourselves and our world in light of our now obvious interconnectedness. As we walk this season together, we know sadness, we see heartbreak, and we hold up community.

Our tradition has always been to give up something for Lent – to take on a fast to open up space within us to know Christ anew. In some ways, it feels as if we have been on a year-long fast and anything else would be superfluous at best, or completely demoralizing at worst. We can, however, commit to a new or different spiritual practice for the season. This may bring Christ’s presence to us in a new way, and may also break the rhythm of what life has become in a way that could be helpful. The purpose of Lenten examination and repentance is, of course, to bring us to renewal and rebirth – to bring us to the joy of Easter resurrection.

This guide is meant to be a tool for you this season. We pray it assists you in preparing for, and practicing your faith through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Blessings to you.