What is Lent?
The term Lent comes from an Old English word meaning "spring," the time of "lengthening of days."  During Lent we begin to see new plant and animal life as the earth emerges from winter and moves toward another fruitful summer season. As the earth appears to awaken and bring forth new life, we can, through our observance of Lent, awaken to new spiritual awareness as well.

Lent may have begun in about the fourth century of the Common Era as a time of preparation of Christian converts for Baptism at Easter time. Over time, Lent evolved into a time of fasting (abstaining from eating or following an austere, usually meatless regimen) and prayer that the entire Christian church observed as part of its preparation for Easter. Some Christian churches continue to observe Lent and some do not. Lenten practices vary, but usually include some form of self-discipline.

The Lenten observance in Christian churches of the Western world begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is said to be a 40-day season, but Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent, so the actual time between Ash Wednesday and Easter is 46 days. In 2010, Ash Wednesday is observed in the Western Christian church on February 17. Easter is observed on April 4. The Lenten season concludes with Holy Week, the seven-day period immediately preceding Easter. Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday) commemorating Jesus' Last Supper with his 12 disciples; and Good Friday, commemorating Jesus' crucifixion and death.

Is Lent based on the Bible?
Lent has no basis in the Bible. It is a tradition that originated in the Christian church. The Bible does include stories of 40-day (for example, Jesus' temptations in the wilderness) and even 40-year (for example, the Hebrews' time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt) "times of preparation," but nothing in the Bible is directly related to the season of Lent.

Why does Unity observe Lent?
Unity's founders, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, saw value in observing Lent from a Unity perspective. Keep a True Lent was compiled from Charles Fillmore's writings and lectures about Lent. Mr. Fillmore wrote, "Lent ... is a church institution embodying an exalted idea, the idea of cleansing and disciplining both mind and body toward the end of making them more receptive to the Christ ideas. Like many other religious practices it is too often observed in letter but not in spirit."

The spirit of Lent inspired Fillmore. As was his practice with many of the ceremonies and symbols of the Christian church, he interpreted the practices of Lent metaphysically. That is to say, Fillmore looked at the practical spiritual significance of the Lenten observances of fasting in each individual's life. He wrote:

"We must learn to deny our selfish impulses and be obedient to impulses of brotherly love. When we withdraw our attention, interest and support from the false and the unworthy, this is true fasting."

He added, "When we give that same attention, interest and support to the enduring good, we are feasting on the things of the Spirit, and this is true prayer. When we have truly fasted in the Christ way we have increased our ability to respond to God's good will."

In Charles Fillmore's view, fasting and prayer (which he called feasting) become primarily spiritual rather than physical practices. Their purpose is to help us permanently release unproductive thinking and behavior patterns and to build up, or reinforce Truth ideas to the point where they become the guiding principles for every area of our lives.

Grow Spiritually During Lent With Unity
Unity invites you to download a free booklet, Forty Days to an Awakened Christ Consciousness, which includes beautiful art work, inspiring feature articles by Unity authors, supportive quotes, and room to record insights from your personal reflections each day. This booklet can help people of any spiritual tradition observe the true spirit of Lent.

You may also wish to take part in Lenten activities at a Unity spiritual community near your home. Click here to find a Unity center near you.

Silent Unity is also always available to pray with you day or night, during Lent and every season of the year.
 

Tom Thorpe is a Unity minister and Unity Institute® faculty member.