DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR LENT 2023
In Christian tradition, Lent is a season in which people prepare for the celebration of Easter. This preparation includes reflection, confession and fasting, among other practices. In early times, people who were guilty of major sins would be required to remove themselves from the church. Lent was a time when they made amends in the hopes of returning to the community of faith. It has value in our coming to terms with our sins and seeking forgiveness and amendment of life. Sin is that which we initiate that separates us from God’s love.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter and begins the Triduum. Easter was a celebration in history before Christmas.
During Lent, it is common to take on a special study that may help us understand how we distance ourselves from God, give up something that draws our attention rather than our seeing God, and/or fast on certain days or from certain foods. It is common to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter when Jesus was killed) or to give up certain foods such as meat or sweets. These actions can be beneficial in focusing our reflection on what we need to do to deepen our love of God and others.
You will find some resources above for your Lenten observance.