Entering Great Lent: A Journey of Renewal and Spiritual Growth
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As we stand at the threshold of Great Lent, the Church invites us to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal, repentance, and deeper communion with God. This sacred season is not merely about abstaining from certain foods but about softening our hearts, turning away from sin, and drawing closer to Christ. When approached with sincerity, Great Lent becomes a time of transformation, bringing immense spiritual blessings to individuals and families.
Great Lent is a gift—an opportunity to realign our lives with God and experience His mercy more deeply. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us:
“Fasting is the change of every part of our life… if you see a poor man, have mercy on him.” (Homily on the Statues, 3:11)
The Significance of Great Lent
Christ Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness, teaching us:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4:4)
Great Lent prepares us for the radiant joy of Pascha. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual lives, repent, and cultivate virtues that bring us into greater harmony with God’s will. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we cleanse our hearts and reorder our priorities according to Christ’s teachings. This period mirrors Christ’s 40-day fast, reminding us that, as His followers, we are also called to take up our cross and follow Him.
The Prophet Joel urges us:
“Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”(Joel 2:13)
St. Basil the Great also teaches:
“True fasting consists of rejecting evil, holding one’s tongue, suppressing hatred, and banishing lust, as well as avoiding evil words, lying, and betrayal of vows.”(Homily on Fasting)
How to Prepare for Great Lent
Preparation for Great Lent begins even before Clean Monday. The Church gradually introduces us to the fast through the preparatory Sundays, which remind us of humility (the Publican and the Pharisee), repentance (the Prodigal Son), and the final judgment (Meatfare and Cheesefare Sundays). Here are some practical ways to prepare:
Seek Forgiveness: Great Lent begins with Forgiveness Sunday, a beautiful reminder to let go of grudges and reconcile with others.
Ease into Fasting: Gradually reduce indulgences rather than making sudden changes.
Strengthen Your Prayer Life: Set aside more time for personal and family prayers.
Commit to Church Attendance: Plan to attend the special Lenten services.
Engage in Acts of Charity: Give generously to those in need.
Lenten Family Dynamics
Great Lent is an individual journey and a communal one, with the family playing a crucial role in making this season meaningful. Here are some ways to infuse the spirit of Lent into the home:
Pray Together: Establish a morning and evening prayers routine, and read Scripture as a family.
Fast as a Family: Adapt fasting expectations for children, focusing on the spiritual lessons rather than just dietary restrictions.
Encourage Kindness and Patience: Support each other in personal growth by practicing patience and forgiveness.
Limit Entertainment: Reducing screen time and distractions can help foster a more prayerful atmosphere.
Lenten Services at Church
The Church offers a rich tapestry of services during Lent that guide us deeper into repentance and prayer:
Great Compline and the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete: A penitential service held during the first week of Lent that sets the tone for the season.
Presanctified Liturgy: A solemn and beautiful service allowing us to partake of the Eucharist on weekdays.
Akathists and Salutations to the Theotokos: A beloved Lenten tradition in many Orthodox parishes.
Holy Week Services: The culmination of our Lenten journey, leading us to the joy of Christ’s Resurrection.
Embracing the Lenten Journey
Great Lent is a gift—an opportunity to reorient our lives toward God and experience His mercy more deeply. By embracing the fast, committing to prayer, and immersing ourselves in the life of the Church, we can emerge from this season renewed and ready to proclaim with joy:
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!
May this Lenten season be a time of true spiritual growth for you and your family.
