Lent 1

Here is what I learned this week: The Church word 'Lent' comes from Old German and is the name of the season we call Spring. It comes from the German word for 'long' or 'lengthen' because it was the season that was marked by the lengthening of daylight after Winter. I like this association, because it helps me to see the Lenten Fast as a sort of spiritual 'spring cleaning'. Uncluttering the shelves and airing out the cupboards of our soul, ready for the celebration of Easter. Happy Lent, everyone!