As many Christians from different traditions have noted, the number “40” is a significant number.  Recall that in the Old Testament, some of the most significant narratives reference the number 40 as a part of the story:

• Noah and his family were in the Ark for 40 days and 40 nights. (Genesis 7:17)
• Moses experienced the presence of God for 40 days and 40 nights on top of a mountain. (Exodus 34:28)
• As punishment for their rebellion and complaining, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) all include in their presentation of the gospel the story of Jesus spending 40 days and 40 nights in the desert:

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.

– Matthew 4:1-2 (See also Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-2).

Following this event in the life of Jesus, the early church adapted a practice of fasting, self-examination, repentance, renewal and waiting.  While not originally 40 days in length, this practice was primarily followed by those preparing for baptism, leading up to an Easter celebration.  Some trace this practice back to as early as the 2nd century C.E. and as late as the 4th century C.E.  At any rate, this practice has been followed by Christians for nearly 2000 years.

Lent is a shortened form of the English word “Lenten” which means “spring”.  Accordingly, this time represents an entering into a new season.  During this new season, we enter a period where we abstain from things (fast) and we introduce new practices (discipline).  Someone described Lent as “a season of preparation, self-reflection and repentance when we seek to literally ‘turn around’ and realign our lives and focus toward God. It is a time to give up things as well as take on new life-giving practices, helping us rid ourselves of distractions and our own selfish desires. By doing so, we seek to live and love as more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.” 

This year, our self-reflection will focus on disengaging from things and ideals that clutter our lives. Clutter, distractions, and unhealthy attachments often distort our worldview, our relationships and our pursuit of God. By unsubscribing from some things, we help clear the way to receive and experience transformative interaction with God. Prayerfully, this journal will provide scriptural prompts to encourage us to “unsubscribe” from the past, hurry, worry, comparisons, cravings (addictions), isolation and fear.

This journal has been compiled and produced to accompany you on your Lenten journey.  There are 40 days (Monday-Saturday) of readings from the Gospel according to Matthew.  In addition, there are reflective materials that supplement the readings.  Also, there is a space provided for you to respond with prayer and confession.  Your engagement with this journal may serve as a practice that you introduce in your life over the next 40 days.  You will note that there are no readings for the Sundays over the next 6 weeks.  On Sundays, there is no requirement to fast since every first day is a feast day, celebrating the Resurrection!

I pray that you will open your mind & heart and consider traveling alongside the body of Christ in this Lenten journey.

I am grateful to those who shared their hearts and provided personal reflections.