The origin of the season of Lent does not lie in the attempt to re-enact our Lord's time in the wilderness, which is only a secondary theme of the season. Rather it lies in the rigorous preparation of Christians for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in Holy Week and at Easter. The observance of Lent was at first undertaken by baptismal candidates. For them it was the final part of their preparation before their initiation into the Church in the Easter liturgy. It was also undertaken by those who had been excommunicated for grave and public sin, and who would be re-admitted to the Church's sacramental life after a period of penance, in time for Easter. It was not long before the Church realized the benefit to all Christians of joining these categories of people in a season of preparation marked by penitence expressed in prayer and fasting. This sense of preparation, and the eager expectation that comes from looking forward to Good Friday and Easter Day, should characterize the season of Lent. Taken from ‘Times and Seasons: Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England’ copyright © The Archbishop’s Council 2006
