As we look toward the start of Lent this Wednesday, February 18, many of us begin preparing our hearts together for the 40‑day journey to Easter.
While Lent is an ancient tradition, we are seeing a meaningful revival in its practice today. In our increasingly fast-paced world, there is a growing desire for the quiet discipline and intentionality this season offers. But between the rituals and resolutions, what is Lent really cultivating?
The significance of small offerings
Recently, a member of our team mentioned that today would be his last cup of coffee before the Lenten fast begins.
His simple commitment caught my attention. It made me wonder what I might be called to set aside, especially since coffee has, for many of us, become part of our daily rhythm: the walk to the café, the warm cup, the light-hearted chats about our projects, funding challenges, politics, and the families and communities we accompany.
Relinquishing something so ordinary can feel surprisingly significant.
But the significance is not in the sacrifice itself. Lent has always pointed beyond the practice to the Person. Each small offering creates space to behold Christ more clearly – his goodness, faithfulness, and presence. And in beholding him, courage begins to find its footing, and hope anchors itself not in our effort but in reminding us of his saving work.
The legacy of Lent
For the early Christians before 313 AD, Lent carried a profound meaning. They looked to Christ’s own suffering – his temptation, rejection, and crucifixion – as the pattern for facing their own hardships. Lent became a source of courage for believers living under oppression and persecution in the Roman Empire.
The Orthodox tradition remembers St. Theodore the Recruit on the first Saturday of Great Lent. Theodore was a young soldier who refused to worship pagan gods, boldly confessing his faith in Christ. For this, he was imprisoned, starved, and ultimately killed – yet he was strengthened by Christ’s presence in his suffering.
His story reminds us that Christ’s courage still echoes through the Church, calling us to faithfulness under pressure and persecution. As we step into Lent together, we enter that same story of courage, surrender, and hope.
The practices of fasting, prayer, generosity, and repentance are not empty rituals; they are ways of beholding Christ in his goodness, acknowledging the saving work He has already done – the work that makes it possible for us to hold onto true, biblical hope.
For some, that courage is found in refusing to deny Christ under persecution.
For others, it’s found in letting go of habits, comforts, or distractions that keep us from deeper communion with God.
An invitation this Lent
Over the next 40 days, we also hope to share contemporary stories from brothers and sisters who still endure persecution for their faith today. We invite you to pause with us each week, to reflect, and to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering and displaced because they choose to follow Christ.
