Lent - Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

A season of repentance and renewal

2048px-Rembrandt_Harmensz_van_Rijn_-_Return_of_the_Prodigal_Son_-_Google_Art_Project
The Return of the Prodigal Son – Rembrandt van Rijn (ca. 1668)

Lent is the church’s invitation to contemplate and be formed by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, in our personal lives and as a congregation.  It is a time of re-centering and “spiritual spring-cleaning” when we humbly practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to help us be reconciled to Christ and one another. Often we simplify and clear out time and space during this season of repentance and renewal, anticipating new depth and maturity to be formed in us as we walk with Jesus and one another toward the cross and resurrection. Traditionally this is also a time of preparation for those anticipating Easter baptism.

Ash Wednesday Scriptures & Collect

  • Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isa. 58:1-12
  • Ps. 103
  • 2 Cor. 5:20-6:10
  • Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

suggested hymn

The Glory of These Forty Days (sheet music or listen)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

Grigorio Allegri, “Miserere Mei, Deus,” Setting of Psalm 51 (~1630)

First Sunday of Lent Scriptures & Collect

  • Deut. 26:1-11
  • Ps. 91
  • Rom. 10:4-13
  • Luke 4:1-13

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

suggested hymn

Forty days and forty nights (sheet music or listen, or this beautiful ensemble version)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

  • Thomas Tallis, The Lamentations of Jeremiah: Incipit Lamentatio Ieremiae Prophetae (~1560)


    1:1  ALEPH. Quomodo sedet sola civitas plena populo! Facta est quasi vidua domina gentium; princeps provinciarum facta est sub tributo.

    1:2  BETH. Plorans ploravit in nocte, et lacrimæ ejus in maxillis ejus: non est qui consoletur eam, ex omnibus caris ejus; omnes amici ejus spreverunt eam, et facti sunt ei inimici.

    Ierusalem, convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum.


    Here begins the Lamentation of Jeremiah the Prophet

    1:1  ALEPH. How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow has she become, she that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the cities has become a vassal.

    1:2  BETH. She weeps bitterly in the night, tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they have become her enemies.

    Jerusalem, return to the Lord thy God.

Second Sunday of Lent Scriptures & Collect

  • Gen. 15:1-18
  • Ps. 27
  • Phil. 3:17-4:1
  • Luke 13:22-35

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

suggested hymn

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (sheet music or listen)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

Anton Bruckner, “Christus Factus Est” (1884)

 

Christus factus est pro nobis obediens

usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis.

 

Propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum et dedit illi nomen,

quod est super omne nomen.

 

Philippians 2:8-9:

Christ became obedient for us unto death,

even to the death, death on the cross.

 

Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him a name

which is above all names.

Third Sunday of Lent Scriptures & Collect

  • Ex. 3:1-15
  • Ps. 103
  • 1 Cor. 10:1-13
  • Luke 13:1-17

Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

suggested hymn

Lord Keep us Steadfast in Your Word (sheet music or listen)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

Francis Poulenc, “Tristis est anima mea,” from Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence (1938)

 

Tristis est anima mea usque ad mortem :

sustinete hic, et vigilate mecum :

nunc videbitis turbam, quæ circumdabit me.

Vos fugam capietis, et ego vadam immolari pro vobis.

 

Matthew 26:38

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Fourth Sunday of Lent Scriptures & Collect

  • Joshua 4:19-24, 5:1-12
  • Ps. 34
  • 2 Cor. 5:17-21
  • Luke 15:11-32

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

suggested hymn

Oh Love, How Deep (sheet music or listen)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

James MacMillan, “Seven Last Words from the Cross” (1995)

Fifth Sunday of Lent Scriptures & Collect

  • Isa. 43:16-21
  • Ps. 126
  • Phil. 3:7-16
  • Luke 20:9-19

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

suggested hymn

My Song is Love Unknown (sheet music or listen)

Read more here about why we use art, music & hymns in spiritual practices and specific ways to engage in the pieces.

liturgical color

Purple is rich in symbolism, originally associated with royalty, because it was a more expensive color to dye. It was used as an act of derision toward Our Lord when Pilate placed a purple robe on Jesus, whom he called “King of the Jews”.

 “The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”—Mark 15:16-20

Purple thus symbolizes pain, suffering, mourning and penitence.

music

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, “Stabat Mater” (Late 16th century)


13th century hymn about the suffering of Mary at the death of her son. English translation here.

Traditions

Practice Spiritual Disciplines - Renew your commitment to ASH's Common Rule (Weekly Eucharist, Daily Prayer, Life Together, Sabbath) with invitation to focus on Lent Cohorts  & congregational invitations (stay tuned for details via email, Sunday announcements, etc.)

  • ALMSGIVING - a financial offering for the poor on top of tithe
    • (Begin tithing, if you haven't done that practice yet, to begin trusting God with your finances.
    • Give to alms box availability at Sunday’s worship 
    • Put something aside to give away each day of Lent
    • Eat low-cost meals or give up eating from restaurants during Lent, and put the money you save into a jar for an individual or organization that needs financial support. Pray with your family about whom to direct this funding, and make an almsgiving jar.
  • FASTING - abstaining from food  (Abstinence is abstaining from anything else.)
    • Join ASH congregation in weekly days of fasting (TBD) and join a Lent Cohort for support
    • Ask God what food or meal in your life you are being invited to fast from: a certain food or drink. Or what to abstain from: a habit, social media, way of spending time, etc. and offer that sacrifice to Him this Lent.  If you have young children, decide together. Share your intention with a friend.
    • Practice a “fast of the eyes” by covering or removing signs of spring and life from your home.  Put plants away, and cover crosses, icons, and pictures with cloths. They will come again in glory, but for now intensify your anticipated joy by removing them from your vision.  Their absence now makes their return on Easter Sunday a more powerful source of joy.
    • Simplicity: 
      • Limit your shopping to absolute necessities.  Notice what feelings arise in you as you practice restraint and respond as God leads.
      • Visit, call or send a written note instead of text or email. 
      • As much as possible, eat out of your pantry and freezer for Lent.
      • Turn off lights and devices after 8pm.  Use candles.
  • PRAYER
    • Renew your commitment to daily prayer and some part of daily lectionary with the BCP, as often as possible with others. 
    • Arrange confession with one of our priests
    • Practice a morning greeting before you get out of bed.  Something like this: "Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. His mercy endures forever!"
    • Practice a nightly examen: 
      • Choose a prayer from the "Occasional Prayers" section of the Book of Common Prayer (p. 642) or a passage of scripture to focus on for the season
      • Use prayer beads as a visual and tactile reminder to pray - come to the workshop on March 8 to make your own and learn how to use it.
  • Use Lenten candles, a Path to Pascha, or a paper chain to mark the passing of time towards Easter
    • Lenten candles: create or purchase a centerpiece consisting of 7 violet candles. Functioning like a reverse Advent wreath, begin Lent with all 7 candles being lit. On each Sunday, one candle is snuffed out until all are dark on Good Friday. As the darkness deepens, we are reminded of Christ’s journey toward the cross. On Easter Sunday, all candles are lit again as we remember that the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never overcome it.
    • Path to Pascha: Fill a shallow tray with sand, and set the Paschal (Easter) candle in the center. Each day of lent add one stone to the tray, and on Easter light the center candle.
    • Paper chain: Create a paper chain to help your children countdown to Easter. Purple links are used for weekdays and Saturdays, white or gold for Sundays and Easter, and black for Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. One link is removed each day and the visual colors help us keep track of where we are on the journey.
  • Prepare your home
    • Cover your table with a purple tablecloth or table runner, or a burlap or undyed linen. Sticks may be placed in a vase for a centerpiece to symbolize the wilderness.
    • Burn a scented candle: myrrh, sandalwood, balsam and cedarwood oils were all used to prepare bodies for burial. These scents can permeate your home during Lent reminding you of Christ’s burial. 
  • Build anticipation
    • Force indoor flower bulbs and watch them grow 
    • Order garden seeds and design your garden for Spring
    • Hunt for new life growing outdoors and recognize them as signs of hope and new life  
  • Observe the Sunday Feast
    • Fasts should be lifted every Sunday as the Lord’s day. Enjoy a delicious dessert or other special treat on this day. 
    • Other feast days are often recognized and celebrated
      • St. Patrick (optional): March 17
      • Feast of St. Joseph (red letter): March 19
      • The Annunciation (red letter): March 25

Children's Book: Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter

 

Learn More about the Church Calendar