 | In the Bible, we find what Dr. Tim Mackie calls “design patterns.” They are like hyperlinks that connect stories and themes in the Bible through key words, symbols, or plots. Because the Bible wasn’t written in chronological order and was edited at a later date, design patterns work both ways in the biblical narrative. This means that previous stories and symbols contribute to our understanding of later stories and symbols, but also later stories and symbols are intended to contribute to our understanding of earlier stories and symbols. |
The number 40 is a great example of this. The story of the flood, for instance, gives us some insight into what is going on in the Hebrew’s 40 years in the wilderness. But the wilderness stories also bring out new dimensions in the flood story. Jesus and the Gospel writers will draw on both of these stories when Jesus goes to the wilderness, and for Christians, Jesus’ wilderness experience deepens our reading of the earlier stories as well.
So what comes to your mind when you think of the number 40 and the Bible?
Which brings us to Lent. Lent is a 40-day season that goes back at least to the 4th century. It was a season of preparation for the highest of Holy Day: The Paschal Triduum (evening of Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday). The 40 day period, of course, draws on this biblical theme of 40. But what do these stories teach us about our Lenten journey? How does the biblical tradition draw out different facets of what Lent is about? Well one thing is for sure: giving up chocolate and fish on Fridays are not part of the biblical text (though it does stand to reason that Noah and his family ate fish on Fridays…and most days of the week, for that matter).
What has Lent meant for you during your faith journey? Maybe your experience and practice has changed over the years? How has Lent impacted you? Do you have any Lenten stories of blessing, transformation, or even confusion?
Which brings us to Lent. Lent is a 40-day season that goes back at least to the 4th century. It was a season of preparation for the highest of Holy Day: The Paschal Triduum (evening of Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday). The 40 day period, of course, draws on this biblical theme of 40. But what do these stories teach us about our Lenten journey? How does the biblical tradition draw out different facets of what Lent is about? Well one thing is for sure: giving up chocolate and fish on Fridays are not part of the biblical text (though it does stand to reason that Noah and his family ate fish on Fridays…and most days of the week, for that matter).
What has Lent meant for you during your faith journey? Maybe your experience and practice has changed over the years? How has Lent impacted you? Do you have any Lenten stories of blessing, transformation, or even confusion?
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