WHAT IS LENT?

New Zealand Tablet, 27 February 1919, Page 18

WHAT IS LENT?

The word itself is derived from a Saxon word which means “spring.” Etymologically, the Lenten season means the spring season, and has no spiritual significance. We, however, give it a spiritual character by the use we make of it. It is a spiritual springtime when a deep, full ploughing into the conscience of the people—when a generous sowing of the Word of God—will later on bring forth a rich harvest of souls, sanctified and made like unto the Son of God, and of deeds holy and good, like His. It is a time when a man puts his soul trial; examines rigorously its motives and doings ; judges it by what God requires, and sees where it stands in its progress heavenward. It is a time when we enter, as it were, a cloud which hides the world and its vanities from view, that in communion with God wo may learn how best to resist the everyday temptations which waylay us from birth to death. It is a time when the repentant soul, like the prodigal son, arises and goes home to his Father and says, “I have sinned,” and feels the joy of forgiveness in His loving embrace. It is a time of spiritual refreshment for honest souls seeking God. It is commemorative of the forty days of fasting andprayer which our Saviour spent in the wilderness —and during this season we learn the wilderness lessons of life. It is the preparation for the great feast of Easter —the festival of victory over sin and death. And every one who keeps Lent well can rejoice in the victories that have secured to him a "risen life,”