Lent begins this year on February 18 and concludes with Easter Sunday, April 5. I have the honor of imposing ashes again this year at the church my family attends.
I am continuing to write for my denomination this year, and first up is a devotional for Ash Wednesday. It is titled “Do You Want to be Made Well,” and uses John 5:2-9.
Pope Leo IV issued his message for Lent “Listening and Fasting.” I was moved by his invitation to a different kind of fast. “In this regard, I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.”
Maybe that invitation feels like too much. Instead, I offer one from Nadia Bolz-Weber, an ordained ELCA pastor. In a recent Substack post subtitled “a lenten discipline for cranky people,” she writes, “This year I’m giving up on shit that is not helping me.“
Maybe 2026 is a year to be transformed by God, or to fast from unhelpful speech or other unhelpful things, or to simply keep showing up. However you mark Lent this year, may you know that Easter (and spring) will be here soon.
Redheadedrev 