I want to reflect on the connection of Lent with Baptism. At some times and places in the Christian church Lent had a connection with Baptism. There are descriptions of Baptisms that took place at the Easter Vigil. Preparation for Baptism was a lengthy process called the catechumenate with intensive self-examination and fasting in the forty days of Lent before Easter. The connection of Lent to Baptism declined as adult Baptism was replaced by infant Baptism as the norm.

For modern Lutherans, I’d call attention to the fourth part of Martin Luther’s explanation of Baptism in his Small Catechism. “What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” Now there’s a plan for Lent: daily contrition and repentance and living before God in righteousness and purity.

It takes intentionality to follow such a plan. We have to examine our lives to see where repentance is required. It’s no accident that following the section on Baptism, Luther discusses confession. He instructs us to consider our life according to the Ten Commandments and to ask ourselves these questions: “Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by your words or deeds? Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?”

And after you’ve done your self-examination and repenting:

Remember: God loves YOU unconditionally. Read 1 John 1:9.

Wayne