Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lenten season. The Lenten season originates from the churchgoers' preparation for baptism, as baptisms were popularly desired and sought during Easter services. It, at first, consisted of the candidates preparing their testimony, moral fitness, and the ability to explain the creedal statements of the Church. The ascetic elements of Lenten season (fasting, abstinence from a sin-less recreational activity, etc.) developed in the Middle Ages. Lenten season is 40 days long, in honor of Christ's 40-day fast in the wilderness before His temptation.
The etymology of the word "Lent" (shortened) mostly refers to longer days (longer times of daylight) and spring (referring to the transition from winter to spring). As this Lenten season begins, we may not be fasting, giving anything up or getting baptized, but are we making an effort to let the special meditation and celebration of Christ's foundational sacrifice and victory, continually bring "spring" into our lives?
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