In the Introduction of my latest book in the Spelunking Scripture Bible study series, The Passion of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels, I write: “the passion of Christ is the crux of the Christian faith.”

“Crux” is a deliberate play on words, with multiple meanings. One definition of crux is: “a vital, decisive, or pivotal point.” Another definition is: “a cross.” A third definition is: “something that torments by its puzzling nature; a perplexing difficulty” (Dictionary.com). The cross of Christ fulfills all three definitions.

This time of year marks the beginning of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday, March 5, in 2025. The word, “Lent,” is derived from the old Anglo-Saxon term, “Lencten,” which means “spring.” In the Christian tradition, Lent is the forty-day period of prayer and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. It is a time for self-examination, a time to remember the suffering and death of Christ, and a time to place our own lives within the context of God’s forgiving grace.

The idea of “giving up” something for Lent relates to a genuine spirit of repentance. True repentance means not just feeling sorry for our sins but making concrete changes in the way we live.

The 40 days of Lent do not include the six Sundays of Lent. The Sundays are weekly reminders of the Resurrection. Hence, even in the midst of the reflective mood of Lent, there are six days of celebration. The whole purpose of Lent is not to drag us down with self-denigration, but to prepare us to be lifted up by the wonderful message of Easter.

The passion of Christ is the theme of Lent. By focusing on Jesus’s suffering and death, we begin to understand more about God’s love for us and what Christ has done for us. It’s an opportunity to examine our lives and make changes where we need to. In this way, Lent can be a journey toward joy.