Lewis Winkler: What is the Significance of Lent?

In the Christian calendar, Lent is “a period of self-examination, fasting, and penance leading up to our Easter Day celebration” (Daily Devotions for Lent 2022, 1) where we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Some of us grow up in churches where Lent is observed but many of us are either unaware or think that it is not necessary to practise these church traditions in this modern age.

EAST Resident Faculty on Theological Studies, Rev Dr Lewis Winkler, shares on his take on Lent below.

I grew up in what many call a “low” church tradition.  Besides events surrounding Christmas and Easter we did not follow the rhythms of the annual liturgical calendar.  I thought that sacred seasons like Lent were only practiced by more “stuffy,” “rigid,” and “ritualistic” denominations.  For most of the classmates who attended these churches, Lent was a time to complain about all the things they wanted but couldn’t have because they had to “give it up for Lent.”  Consequently, the practice held little attraction for me.  I enjoyed the freedom of eating, drinking, and doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.

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