By Mary O’KEEFE

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, this year on March 6. For those who may not know a lot about Christian traditions, Lent seems to be the one most recognizable … usually because it is a time to “give up” something. But Lent, which comes from the Anglo Saxon work lencton meaning spring, is so much more than giving up sweets; it is a time to reflect on one’s faith.

“Our church has traditions and rites that help remind us of our faith, of what we believe in, and Lent is one of those traditions,” said  Rev. Dr. Antonio Gallardo, St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church. “Throughout the year as Christians we try to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ.”

Lent is a time of 40 days to reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent in contemplation in the desert after he was baptized. It was a time for him to disconnect himself from the world and to take a step back. At that time he faced his own weaknesses, discovering his strength to face what was coming, Gallardo added.

“The central element of our belief as Christians is that Jesus was resurrected … and life is eternal,” Gallardo said.

Eternal life is what is celebrated on Easter, the end of Lent.

“So before every Easter we go through the rites of remembering where we come from and what we believe,” he said.

He added that Jesus always prepared for changes and challenges through prayer and fasting.

“Prayer has a wide range of expression,” he said. “Spending time with nature is a way of praying, meditating is a way of praying.”

He added that over the years the traditions of Lent have changed; for example, when he was growing up in Venezuela, Gallardo said not eating meat on Friday was traditional, and fasting during the day, eating only at night.

Certain practices may have changed over the years, but the foundation of getting away from the distractions of the world – whether from technology or from a certain food – continues. The season is a time to reflect and renew faith.

“Jesus left for us some guidelines on how we can continue to grow in our faith,” he added.

Gallardo invited all to Ash Wednesday services, which will be bilingual, on March 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s of the Mountains, 2563 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.