The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days. In Lent we focus on Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem. We also consider our own life journey of repentance, hope, and change.
This year Ash Wednesday occurred on February 22, the seventh Wednesday before Easter. Ash Wednesday services often involve making the sign of the cross in ashes on the forehead of worshipers reminding us of the dust from which we came and to which we will return.
As Lutherans, we celebrate the good news of Lent – every day is a day to
repent, “to turn” towards God and begin again. Every moment is a new day. Lent was traditionally a time to prepare for baptism, to learn about God’s promises and practice discipleship.
This Lenten season we will lean into living our baptism. In baptism and confirmation (affirmation of baptism) we are asked, do you promise to “Live among God’s faithful people, Hear the Word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper, Proclaim the Good News of Christ through word and deed, Serve all people – following the example of Jesus, and Strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. We respond “I do and I ask God to help and guide me.”
Readings during Lent: Matthew 6. For additional study, a lenten devotional for 2026 is available to download from Luther Seminary.
