The Agesima's

For over 18 centuries the Church has has a period of preparation for the Great Fast of Lent. The three Sunday's leading into Lent in the BCP are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. In England, the wisdom of preparing for Lent is preserved, but the Latin names, the 'agesima's' are given their English meanings; The 3rd Sunday before Lent, The 2nd Sunday before Lent, The Sunday before Lent.

This lead-in period to psychologically prepare for the discipline of Lent is important. The wisdom of this period of preparing should not be lost. We rightly prepare for tests: for important undertakings. Understanding Lent as a discipline to strengthen our 'Yes," to Jesus, and our "No," to Satan; understanding Lent as a time to intentionally and with holy seriousness to lean upon divine grace; understanding Lent as a time of renewal of surrendering self-will to god's will; to refocus upon the victory of the Cross and hope of the resurrection is a test. This 'test' of Lent calls us to refocus our hearts.

So are we thinking about getting serious about renewing our Love for the LORD and each other? I pray we are.

Dear friends in Christ,
every year at the time of the Christian Passover
we celebrate our redemption
through the death and resurrection
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration
and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.
We begin this holy season
by remembering our need for repentance,
and for the mercy and forgiveness
proclaimed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I invite you therefore, in the name of the Lord,
to observe a holy Lent
by self-examination, penitence, prayer,
fasting, and almsgiving,
and by reading and meditating on the word of God.
Let us kneel before our Creator and Redeemer.
From the Book of Alternative Services - Ash Wednesday Service