The instructor asked the neophyte, “Do you believe in…? Do you believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?” These are some of the questions asked of new converts to the Christian faith as they prepared for baptism. Each year, leading up to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, candidates for baptism needed to understand what they were affirming. These words would be recited in the credal formulaic way, “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit” as water was sprinkled over them, poured upon them, or as they were immersed. Today, this season of preparation is now known as Lent.
We get the word Lent from the old English word lencten meaning “to lengthen or spring forth.” This is a reference to the lengthening of days in the arrival of the spring season — a symbol of new life. Yet the earliest mention of this season of preparation, according to Irenaeus (born roughly 140 A.D.), did not last for more than three days. Traditionally, it was a three day fast on the days before Easter where Christians would abstain from food and physical intimacy, while embracing prayer, alms giving, and self-denial. Then, they would end the fast with a great feast!
The first mention of the 40 day period of preparation occurs in the Canons of Nicaea from 325 A.D. Later, Athanasius of Alexandria is rumored to have said in 339 AD, “it is a fast the entire world observed.” As the early church studied the scriptures (Old Testament) they continued to look for passages that pointed to Jesus and revitalized some ancient traditions in new ways. For example:
Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness where he was tempted.
There were 40 days of rain during the flood.
Moses fasted on Mount Sinai 40 days before receiving the 10 Commandments.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land.
Elijah fasted 40 days before he heard from God.
Jesus walked the earth for 40 days after his resurrection.
By the early fourth century there was a process in place where new converts would attend worship called, “Service of the Word.” They learned moral teachings – greatly needed in a society where Christians rejected or abstained from many normally acceptable public practices. They learned an early form of the Apostles Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the meaning of the sacraments – communion and baptism. It was also a time where those who had strayed from the faith could return to the faith by answering the questions, “Do you believe in…?”
This past Sunday I had the joy of teaching about sacraments to our confirmation class. These young teenagers are currently going through the ancient practice and process of learning what it means to find salvation through Jesus Christ, to be a Christian, and to be baptized or confirm their baptism. And, to live their life as a Christian in The United Methodist Church tradition. They were curious, eager to learn, and attentive to the lessons. And in just over six weeks, we will celebrate them and their commitment to Christ in a unified church service where we ask them, “Do you believe in…?”
I’m excited for them, the church, and these beautiful seasons where we intentionally reflect and act on how to grow as Disciples of Jesus Christ.
I invite you to make this Lenten season one where you are able to strengthen your faith, grow closer to God, become more like Jesus, be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and intentionally fast something that hinders your ability to do these things. I pray that as we all prepare for Easter, we come through this with new habits, stronger faith, and more Christlike.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Daniel
