A Long Lent

by Mathew Block

Chances are you’re facing difficult times right now. As a result of COVID-19, many people are afraid, either for themselves or for loved ones. Perhaps you are struggling with loneliness. Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a job. Perhaps you are sick. Perhaps you are afraid of death.

I share your concerns. My wife is a physician, and we have said more than one worried prayer about the situation. The whole thing can leave you feeling anxious and tired.

By the time the physical version of the magazine reaches you, we will be several weeks into the season of Easter. And yet, the joy typical of this time of the year may be in short supply where you are. The necessity of social-distancing, self-isolation, and even quarantine can leave you feeling like we’re still stuck in Lent—still stuck in a season of self-denial and sorrow.

It is a remarkable coincidence that the word “quarantine” literally means “forty days,” since that is the same length of time allotted for Lent. But forty days have come and gone, and yet here we are still waiting. We may well remember this year as the Long Lent of 2020.

It is a remarkable coincidence that the word “quarantine” literally means “forty days,” since that is the same length of time allotted for Lent. But forty days have come and gone, and yet here we are still waiting. We may well remember this year as the Long Lent of 2020.

But if we are to live in this extended Lent, it’s worth remembering that Lent—while hard—is good for us. During Lent, we follow Jesus on His road to the cross. And as we do so, we are called to take up our own cross as well (Matthew 16:24).

During Lent, many Christians seek to follow Christ more closely by giving up some pleasure for a time. In doing so, they hope to gain a renewed appreciation for the infinitely greater sacrifice of Christ. This year, our Lenten sacrifice—our cross to bear, if you will—has been chosen for us by the pandemic; we are fasting from in-person fellowship, from face-to-face worship in our own congregations, and from regular reception of the Sacrament of the Altar. These are difficult fasts and not ones we would choose on our own. It’s tempting, as a result, to grumble over just how much we have been asked to give up this Lent.

But Lent is not just about giving things up. It is also an opportunity to take up new things—to pursue spiritual growth through regular devotions, through prayer, and through the study of God’s Word. “Draw near to God,” St. James counsels, and “He will draw near to you” (4:8). God so often works good from ill; let the good He works for you in this time be a closer walk with Him.

You will notice that this issue of the magazine is a little bit different. We have temporarily cut our news sections in order to make space for additional devotional resources. We want to equip you with devotional tools for your walk with Christ during this season in which regular church services are suspended. In these pages, you will find a guide on holding home devotions (page 21); a walk-through on praying Luther’s morning and evening prayers (page 19); and encouragement from the Lord’s Prayer when facing a time of pandemic (page 20), among other resources for home devotions.

Our feature articles this issue are also geared towards supporting you in your spiritual walk. Rev. Esko Murto writes on Lutheran spirituality, reminding us that a healthy faith life must remain grounded in repentance and the reception of the forgiveness of sins (page 13). In “Teach Us to Pray,” Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger reminds us that prayer is something we learn to do, providing us with helpful guidance on how to develop a more intentional prayer life (page 16).

God-willing, these devotional resources will be a help to you during the Long Lent in which we find ourselves. But do not let this overlong Lent distress you. Take heart: Easter still comes. It comes with power and the promise of resurrection. It comes for you wherever you are, whatever your sorrows. It comes bringing peace in the midst of grief.

The good news of Easter remains true even when we are forced to celebrate the holiday in our homes and not in our churches. It is the very heart of our faith, whether we are privileged to worship with other Christians or forced to worship in isolation. As we seek to follow God more closely in our personal lives, then, let us look for Him where He has revealed Himself most clearly: at the cross.

The good news of Easter remains true even when we are forced to celebrate the holiday in our homes and not in our churches. It is the very heart of our faith, whether we are privileged to worship with other Christians or forced to worship in isolation. As we seek to follow God more closely in our personal lives, then, let us look for Him where He has revealed Himself most clearly: at the cross.

To help us consider anew the centrality of the death and resurrection of Christ, we include in this issue an Easter reflection from Johann Gerhard’s classic devotional work Sacred Meditations (page 11). May it—as well as the regular columns from our synodical president and regional pastors—be a comfort to you as you follow God in this time of hardship.

Our Jesus is not dead; He is alive. In Him we find the answer to our fears and our worries. So take up your cross and follow Him. The cross is indeed hard—but it gives way at length to the empty tomb. It gives way to life. Take hold of your Risen Lord and trust in Him.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” – Psalm 42:5

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Mathew Block is editor of The Canadian Lutheran and communications manager for the International Lutheran Council.

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