Within the lifetime of many of us of the Reformed or Free Church tradition, any serious observance of the season of Lent had been somewhat rare or, indeed, optional. Lent was the private and sophisticated preserve of the Episcopalians and Roman Catholics and of a few Protestants who wanted others to think they were "with it." Nowadays, however, the whole Christian world recognizes Lent almost routinely, and seemingly it has now a secure place with everyone in the Church Year.

Familiarity with Lent has bred, however, an unfortunate spirit of neglect due largely to a misunderstanding of its meaning and significance. In our era of quick fixes and fast everything, Lent as a season seems unduly long. One clergyperson has said, "My people just can’t remain sorry for their sins for forty days." So…