Today in chapel, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is the season set aside by the church for us to remember the suffering that Christ endured on our behalf, and to reflect on our own Baptism and what it means to live as a child of God.
Because of this, the Lenten season tends to take a more somber, penitential tone. For example, the word “Alleluia” – a joyful word meaning “Praise the Lord” – is omitted from most church services during Lent. Many Christians will also choose to “give something up” during Lent as a small reminder of the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross. All of this stands in stark contrast to, and makes us long for, the joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.