Why I changed my mind about Lent

I used to think that Lent was a sad time of dreary abstinence; pompous abstemiousness for guilt-ridden legalists or weight-loss obsessives, an outdated discipline that had no place for ordinary people in a modern world.

Recently, I’ve come to see that this ancient tradition observed by billions of Christians around the world can be far from those negative stereotypes.

Lent has fallen victim to profound misunderstanding by those both inside and outside of the Church. I’ve discovered, it can be surprisingly good for the soul.

Misunderstanding 1: Lent is biblical

Lent is not a term that is ever mentioned in the Bible. This traditional 40-day period of abstinence before Easter is not mandated as a directive from God, nor is it required by the Church.

The earliest mention of Lent is from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This is the same council that drew up the Nicene Creed to formalise key teachings on the nature of God. Lent is referenced here as one of 20 agreed standard practices for the life and operation of the Church.

Reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection gives us perspective

It was not designed to be a test of endurance, a proof of orthodoxy or a display of spiritual superiority. Instead, it was a voluntary, formative practice; a rhythm for life for those who choose to adopt it.

Misunderstanding 2: Lent is for the religious

Voluntary abstinence - whether from food, pleasure, or routine - has been practised for millennia. Forms of fasting and restraint appear across different religion traditions, for example Ramadan in Islam or the dietary restrictions during Hindu funeral rites.

But abstinence is not exclusive to religion either. Sometimes, I like to listen to music in the dark so I can concentrate better on the sound. I like to watch films at the cinema, so I am not distracted by my phone or other people talking. In August, I like to abstain from work for a couple of weeks so I can focus on my family. Across cultures and centuries, people have recognised that stepping back from consumption can reset priorities, deepen self-knowledge and enrich relationships.

It makes sense for the Christian calendar to include a season where Christians can step back from certain parts of life in order to focus their attention on God.

Misunderstanding 3: Lent is for the time-rich

I used to think that Lent was a luxury for people with spacious diaries and quiet lives. After all, in the ancient world people didn’t face the challenges of the always-on attention economy, where news alerts and app notifications conspire to keep us always occupied. Yet we forget that in the ancient world people worked hard, without the conveniences we take for granted - no high-speed broadband, cars, washing machines, ready meals or modern medicine. Life was physically demanding and often precarious.

Even in that context, many Christians felt that carving out time to focus their minds on prayer was important to their spiritual survival.

In light of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, how much more urgent is it that we do the same? Lent provides an opportunity to stop the careering juggernaut of life and reevaluate our purpose and priorities.

Misunderstanding 4: Lent is hard

Many people assume Lent to be a gruelling ordeal. After all, 40 days is a significant length of time. In the Bible, Jesus spent 40 days and nights alone in the desert without food or water and was severely tempted by the devil. Those 40 days echo the 40 years the people of Israel wandered in the desert - a period so challenging that some even said slavery in Egypt had seemed easier.

Lent has fallen victim to profound misunderstanding by those both inside and outside of the Church

Lent is not about choosing the most punishing path; it is about finding the most meaningful ways to pause and reset. I like to think of Lent as a spiritual declutter - an opportunity to focus not on what I get rid of, but on the space I can create. Lent provides an opportunity, for example, to think about how I consume news, and how I can invest in tending my soul so that I can live a life that consistently pursues justice. While it may not be easy, it is certainly no great sacrifice, and the rewards are worth it.

Misunderstanding 5: Lent is temporary

Lent lasts only 40 days, but its impact could reach far beyond that. Rather than allowing the pursuit of wealth, comfort or distraction to dictate our lives, Lent draws our attention to God’s ultimate purpose: the display of His kindness, compassion and justice. Spending 40 days reflecting on this can have a life-changing effect, lifting our eyes to focus on something far bigger than our own concerns.

The more we reflect on the death of Jesus, the more we understand that the evils and injustices of the world will not have the final word - and the more we appreciate God’s love and justice. Reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection gives us perspective on eternity and life this side of death. Lent invites us to anticipate and participate in the restoration of all things, helping us align our lives with the hope and future that God promises.

I’ve come to see Lent not as a dreary obligation, but as a gift - a season that invites intentional pause, reflection and renewal.

This gift is offered to anyone willing to reflect on the ultimate question of: How do I keep my eyes on what truly matters? By slowing down, refocusing and embracing new practices, Lent can become not just a 40-day ritual, but a life-changing reset.