The 40 days period before Easter is commonly known as Lent. This season is normally marked by sacrificing something (usually in the form of food) to reflect the state of one’s penitence. Lent also provides a time for purification. Church historians and liturgists remind us that this season was used as a preparatory period for those who were seeking to be baptised.
However, a Catholic dictionary has also pointed out that lent is a “season in which the faithful begged God’s mercy for themselves, and were therefore expected to show mercy to others. The money that was spared was given as aims. The church reconciled Penitents at the altar, emperors released prisoners, masters pardoned their slaves and enemies became friends”.
Despite the description of a rather patriarchal social order, it nevertheless depicts a time of “jubilee”. What a moment of divine visitation for us as a church in Southern Africa, and Namibia in particular, as we struggle through our thoughts about the social evils in our country. Much has been said and written about these evils, mainly from a political and human rights perspective, the central need interpreted to be reconciliation and healing, a time of meaningful repentance and forgiveness.
The church does not stand outside or beyond these socio-economic problems, but most certainly should also have the capacity to expand it to reach all aspects of life. What, for example, shall we do about our own part in gender oppression, racial disharmony, child neglect, environmental degradation, rich-poor apathy? Maybe this lenten season is one such opportunity where we find renewed space to confess our sinful words and deeds, and engage in activities and attitudes which speak to our penitence, reconciliation and forgiveness. I do not believe that we have seriously begun the process.
Another thing that lent reminds us of is suffering. Now, the state of suffering is often a comfortable space because for many of us, this is the only constant in our lives. We can see it as a manifestation at our Good Friday services. These services are often the ones with which we are able to identify the most – the suffering Christ. Because we have not yet tasted true liberation, it is more difficult to identify with the risen Christ on Easter Sunday. But are we not in the business of costly reconciliation, of meaningful forgiveness, and realistic or sometimes faithful hope?
Good Friday, however, still remains the climax, Easter Sunday the anti-climax.
It is important to retain our claim on Good Friday’s suffering, but we need to reclaim our stake in Easter Sunday. What are we doing in our churches to show mercy, to reconcile penitents, to set people free and to make friends with our enemies?
In conclusion, lent is a time of self-examination and self-giving as we remember our Lord’s period of testing in the desert, and as we recall his complete self-giving on the cross. It is a season of the Church’s year when we are concerned less about ourselves and more about others. Whatever term we may use, lent reminds us that Jesus gave himself completely to the world. God’s concern for humankind, revealed so fully upon the cross, calls forth an answering response to us for the needs of others. In a very real sense, we love them because God first loves us.
We are reminded of Jesus Christ’s conversation with Peter and Matthew 16:13 – 20. Jesus says “As we enter this lent season and prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us hold this question before us: “Who do people say we are?” They know us only by our acts of faith!”.