Reflections on Lent from Thornwell President, Rev. Myron Wilkins

Dear Thornwell Family,

Today starts the season of the Christian Calendar known as Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The 40-day period is called Lent, after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen.’ This is because of the time of year when it happens, as this is when the days start to get longer as we approach Summer. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and forgiveness as Christians prepare their hearts and minds to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection at the feast of Easter, which comes at the very end of Lent.

While we all may share different faith traditions, I encourage all of us to embrace the spiritual value found in the celebration of Lent:

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

May we all find peace, assurance, and hope this season and always,

Rev. Myron Wilkins, Thornwell President