why i'm rediscovering lent: from ritual to relationship
- Tammy Fager
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Navigating the 40 days before Easter with a focus on the heart, not the rules.
The Quick Look: Lent at a Glance
It’s a Heart Thing: Lent isn't a religious chore or a "New Year’s Resolution"—it’s a voluntary "spring cleaning" for the soul.
The 2026 Roadmap: We are currently mid-journey! Lent leads us through Holy Week (March 29 – April 5).
Ritual vs. Relationship: Whether you observe "meatless Fridays" or simply set aside a distraction, the goal is intimacy with Jesus, not earning points with God.
The Wilderness Purpose: Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, we use this time to quiet the noise and hear God’s voice clearly.
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Growing up, Lent wasn’t just a season on the calendar—it was a way of life. I was raised in the Catholic Church, where Lent was strictly observed. I remember the smudge of ashes on my forehead every Ash Wednesday and the predictable diet of meatless Fridays, with fish always on the menu.
My husband and I were even married in the Catholic Church, carrying those traditions with us into our early marriage. However, shortly after we were married, we began to investigate other denominations.
We ultimately landed in a non-denominational Christian church, which has been our home for many years now. In that transition, some traditions—like Lent—naturally took a back seat. Without the "requirement" of the ritual, the practice faded into the background.
But lately, I’ve been thinking about the meaning of Lent in a different way. I’ve realized that if your focus is right (wanting to draw closer to God), giving something up or taking something on for Lent could be incredibly beneficial. Otherwise, it’s really no different than making a New Year’s resolution that fades by February. It’s a heart thing.
Beyond Chocolate: The "Springtime" of the Soul
If you’ve ever heard someone mention they are "giving up chocolate" or "quitting soda" for a few weeks, they are likely participating in a Lenten fast. For many, this is the most recognizable part of the season—picking a favorite treat and setting it aside.
Historically, this practice is a small way to participate in the "wilderness" experience. However, it’s important to look past the sugar and see the deeper purpose.
The word "Lent" comes from the Old English word lencten, which literally means "springtime." It refers to the "lengthening" of days as we move out of winter.
Think of it as "spring cleaning for the soul." Just as we clear out winter's dust from our
homes to prepare for the new season, Lent is a time to clear out the distractions—whether that’s a physical craving like chocolate or a digital one like social media—that have cluttered our walk with God. We aren't just "giving something up" to be disciplined; we are making room for new growth to begin.
For Lent 2026, we are currently in the middle of this "lengthening." Here is where we are at:
Ash Wednesday: February 18
Palm Sunday: March 29
Good Friday: April 3
Easter Sunday: April 5
The Scholarly View: Refinement, Not Just Ritual
While Lent isn't explicitly commanded in the New Testament, many scholars see it as a vital tool for spiritual formation.
N.T. Wright suggests we shouldn't just "give things up" to be miserable. Instead, we should recalibrate. If you give something up, replace it with something positive—like extra prayer or service—so you don't just create a spiritual vacuum of self-effort.
Brad Gray points to the Hebraic context of the wilderness. In the Bible, the wilderness wasn't just a place of punishment; it was a place of refinement and intimacy where God speaks to the heart. Lent is a journey back into that "wilderness" to hear God’s voice without the noise of the world.
Craig Keener reminds us that while the formal structure of Lent developed later, the principles of fasting and "teshuva" (repentance) are deeply biblical.
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Tradition vs. Biblical Freedom
The distinction today is often between Liturgical traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican), where Lent is a formal obligation, and Non-Liturgical traditions (Baptist, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational), where it is a voluntary spiritual discipline.
If you want to stay "solidly in line with the Bible" this season, the key is avoiding legalism. As Paul writes in Romans 14:1, these are "disputable matters." Those who observe Lent should not look down on those who don't, and vice versa.
What to Do:
Examine the Heart: Fast in secret, not for show (Matthew 6:16−18).
Focus on Repentance: Identify "idols"—things you rely on more than God—and temporarily remove them to prove your dependence on Him.
Prioritize Scripture: Immerse yourself in the Gospels, study Jesus's final week.
What Not to Do:
Avoid Ritualism: Don't do it just because it's on the calendar. If there’s no change of heart, it loses its value (Isaiah 58:3−7).
Don't Earn Grace: Your sacrifices don't make you "holier." Grace is a gift; Lent is just a way to appreciate that gift more deeply.
Easter, Passover, and the "Pagan" Question
You might notice that Easter’s timing is tied to the Jewish Passover. Jesus is our "Passover Lamb" (1 Corinthians 5:7), and His resurrection fulfills the promise of the Old Testament. While some worry about "pagan" names or traditions like eggs and bunnies, for the Christian, this season is about Redemption. We use symbols of "new life" in nature to point us toward the Creator who brought life out of death.
Points to Ponder: A Heart-Check
How do you feel about Lent? Does it feel like a religious chore or a spiritual invitation, or have you even considered it?
Is it important for you to observe? If you’ve chosen to fast from something, what is the silence teaching you about your heart?
The "Sunday Loophole”: Sundays are considered "mini-Easters"—days of grace where you can pause your fast and celebrate!
Join the Journey: Let’s Discuss!
What has been the most challenging part of your "wilderness" so far this year?
Is there an area of your spiritual life that feels like it's "waking up" this spring?
If you were explaining Lent to a friend, what's the one thing you'd want them to know about Jesus?
Closing Thoughts
Whether you grew up with these traditions or are discovering them for the first time, my
prayer for you this season is simple: that you would find a "quiet place" in the noise.
Lent is just a tool, but Jesus is the prize. If you've felt distant or "wintery" in your faith, let these remaining days of Spring be your invitation to come home.
The wilderness is temporary, but the Resurrection is forever.
Keep seeking, keep growing, and enjoy the journey.
Meet the Author & Her Partner in Faith:
Tammy and Bruce have been married for 38 years, navigating life as best friends and partners in faith. Their days are a beautiful blend of service and creativity: Tammy serves her community as an active EMT when she isn't on the road, while Bruce, a retired Law Enforcement officer, is the visionary artist behind God’s Country Art.
Between the adrenaline of emergency medicine and the peace of the open road, Tammy is a lifelong writer currently preparing to publish her debut Christian Fantasy novel, Beyond the Mirror’s Edge.
Together, they are devoted parents who find God’s handiwork in everything—from a life-saving moment in the field to a quiet piece of hand-carved wood. Whether through fellowship with others online at Your Jesus Journey, or a campfire chat at a new campsite, they are committed to sharing the love of Christ one mile at a time.
You can see some of Bruce's handiwork at Godscountryart.com
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