We are currently just about a week into the Lenten season for those who observe. I did not grow up in a church that observed Lent. We mostly observed the crucifixion (with a small head nod to the resurrection). Lent was too Catholic and we weren’t quite sure those Catholics, with all of their rituals, were really Christians. (Of course I don’t share these sentiments now, but that was definitely the vibe growing up.)

When I was introduced to Lent as an adult it was often talked about as a kind of “New Years Resolutions take two”.It was described as a season of personal piety. We give something up: chocolate, soda, gossip, or these days social media. It’s a way to make ourselves better. Do dieting in a “religious” way. 

Maybe some folks would take something on: prayer, a devotional, volunteering. But overall it was mostly about personal transformation. 

Now don’t get me wrong! Personal transformation can be incredibly important. All of these practices can, with the right motivation, be helpful and lead to spiritual growth, but they are missing an important component: Lent isn’t just about personal transformation, it’s about the collective. It’s about all of us. It’s about society and community. It’s about the least of these. 

Lent is a call back to community and to letting go of the things that are keeping us separate from others, giving up the things that are causing us to hurt others. 

So as you think about your lenten practice, how can you use it to draw you more closely into community? When you think about what to give up or take on, think about the things that are separating you from others. 

Let’s make this Lenten season one of communal transformation, a changing of the world to bring about the kingdom of God, here and now.