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The Fullness of Time
Lent: The Season of Repentance and Renewal
"Lent is inescapably about repenting." Every year, the church invites us into a season of repentance and fasting in preparation for Holy Week. It's an invitation to turn away from our sins and toward the mercy and grace of Christ. Often, though, we experience the Lenten fast as either a mindless ritual or self-improvement program. In this short volume, priest and scholar Esau McCaulley introduces the season of Lent, showing us how its prayers and rituals point us not just to our own sinfulness but also beyond it to our merciful Savior. Each volume in the Fullness of Time series invites readers to engage with the riches of the church year, exploring the traditions, prayers, Scriptures, and rituals of the seasons of the church calendar.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2022
89 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Esau McCaulley
22 books390 followersEsau McCaulley, PhD is an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He is the author of many works including Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance and the Children’s Book Josie Johnson Hair and the Holy Spirit. His book Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope won numerous awards, including Christianity Today’s book of the year. His latest project is a memoir entitled: How far to the Promise Land: One Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South. He is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. His writings have also appeared in places such as The Atlantic, Washington Post, and Christianity Today. He is married to Mandy, a pediatrician and navy reservist. Together, they have four wonderful children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
March 31, 2023
Beautiful reflections for a beautiful season in the church. An important reminder that “ritual is both a means is spiritual formation (we learn through repetition) and an encounter (God meets us in the act of worship and praise in the liturgy). McCaulley walks through the idea of repentance, fast, and the services of Holy Week, ultimately to inspire us to understand more deeply what Lent offers: “the chance to see the beauty of life with God” that requires “a quieting of the soul and a lessening of distractions so that we can again hear the voice of God.” Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
February 14, 2024
A lovely, concise introduction to Lent and its practices, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. McCaulley introduces the meaning of Lent without legalism. He demonstrates the freedom inherent in the season of giving up, the place of repentance in the Christian life, and the need for Lenten rhythms in the church year.
April 8, 2023
A thoughtful reflection on the symbols and practices of the Anglican church during Lent. It would work well as a basic introduction for those new to Anglicanism. I attend a 'liturgical Baptist' church (we practice adult baptism but our services are more liturgical in nature), so much of this was relevant for my context, but some of it was not (e.g., particular vestments or prayers). I appreciated it as a brief devotional during lent.
March 8, 2025
A fantastic and helpful look at the practice of Lent in the Anglican church and explanations of the services.
I also found it interesting that his former Baptist church practiced feet washing once a month. He mentioned that he hasn't found any other churches that do that, and I had thought, until I read this, that Mennonites were the only ones that regularly practice feet washing.
I also found it interesting that his former Baptist church practiced feet washing once a month. He mentioned that he hasn't found any other churches that do that, and I had thought, until I read this, that Mennonites were the only ones that regularly practice feet washing.
February 23, 2024
A wonderful and brief introduction to the liturgical season of Lent. McCaulley presents Lent not as an obligation but as an invitation to appreciate our need for grace. There is much packed into these short hundred pages so I will certainly be returning to this gospel saturated treatment of the Lenten season.
March 11, 2024
Lent is one book in The Fullness of Time series that shares the various seasons in the Christian calendar. Being Presbyterian, we don't fast or "give something up" in the same way that other denominations do. That doesn't mean that I didn't get a lot out of this little book. It was all about renewing my relationship with God, accepting his gift of his son and his Grace. It helped me reconnect with scripture and my faith. This is a relatively short read and for anyone who wants some direction in how to use Lent to prepare, reconnect and ponder all that God has given and done for us, this is a great place to start. With scripture references and prayers, I enjoyed this little book.
March 12, 2025
Best intro to lent and the liturgical calendar I’ve come across. Perfect resource for a newbie or someone in need of a reminder. Great work, Dr McCaulley.
February 19, 2023
Approachable, gentle, encouraging, and soaked with the gospel. Whether you practiced Lent for years or for the first time, this book has something for you.
February 7, 2024
Gentle, inviting, and reflective.
March 12, 2023
I read this as Lent began. I appreciated learning about this season from the Anglican tradition, reflecting on their foundation for the practice and the liturgies used. As this faith tradition hasn't been my own, it was interesting and thorough, even though it's a pretty short book. I was reminded that Lent is a season about repentance, which invited me to consider my own life and areas to surrender and ask for the Lord's grace. He writes, "central to Lent is the idea that we need this kind of renewal consistently throughout our lives. We do not receive God’s grace only when we turn to him at the beginning of our spiritual journey. God’s grace meets us again and again."
Recommend if you're interested in learning more about Lent, even if you're from a different faith tradition, the are good things to consider in preparation for Easter.
*Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Recommend if you're interested in learning more about Lent, even if you're from a different faith tradition, the are good things to consider in preparation for Easter.
*Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 27, 2024
Growing up in a church on the informal side of the liturgical spectrum (like McCaulley himself), I have found each of these books to be both nourishing and educational. The entire series has been worthwhile reading thus far. This one covers Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday. All that remains for me is the volume on Pentecost, which apparently also includes Easter.
McCaulley notes that the season of Lent concerns three things: “the preparation of new converts for baptism, the reconciliation of those estranged from the church, and a general call for the whole church to repent and renew its commitment to Jesus.” He explains the purpose of the rituals of Lent: fasting, study, renewal, charity and social justice, confession, the Stations of the Cross, and encountering grace. He expounds on the collects from the Book of Common Prayer designated for each week of Lent.
McCaulley was also brought up to believe that formal liturgy will stifle the Spirit, but he has come to see its many values:
“In the language that became omnipresent during my college years, it wasn't about religion but relationship. Religion was shorthand for any ritual activity with which I was uncomfortable.
“Here in these pages, I want to approach the liturgy from a different perspective. I do not wish to engage in debates about particular texts of the Bible. I want instead to zoom out and look at the nature of the Old and New Testaments themselves. I want to press in on the method by which God forms a people. When God revealed himself to a spiritually malnourished group who needed to be taught the things required for holiness, what did he do? How did God do it?
“He gave his people rituals. He gave them feasts tied to certain parts of the year and a system of sacrifice to teach his ways to coming generations:”
[…]
“Established prayers and actions pass on the faith, not as magic activities that contain meaning in themselves, but as occasions for remembering. And these rituals are not in conflict with deeply emotive experiences of God. Every psalm and song, every word of prayer and lament in the Old Testament, was written by Jewish people steeped in the rituals of Israel. The fact of the deeply personal relationship with God demonstrated in the Psalms, Jeremiah, and Isaiah gives lie to the idea that God only values informality.
[…]
“Stories and rituals pass on understanding. Jesus knew this. During his last night with his disciples he did not have them memorize a position paper on the meaning of the atonement; he gave them a meal—a ritual with set words and actions that immediately entered the life of the early church.”
[p 52-54]
McCaulley notes that the season of Lent concerns three things: “the preparation of new converts for baptism, the reconciliation of those estranged from the church, and a general call for the whole church to repent and renew its commitment to Jesus.” He explains the purpose of the rituals of Lent: fasting, study, renewal, charity and social justice, confession, the Stations of the Cross, and encountering grace. He expounds on the collects from the Book of Common Prayer designated for each week of Lent.
McCaulley was also brought up to believe that formal liturgy will stifle the Spirit, but he has come to see its many values:
“In the language that became omnipresent during my college years, it wasn't about religion but relationship. Religion was shorthand for any ritual activity with which I was uncomfortable.
“Here in these pages, I want to approach the liturgy from a different perspective. I do not wish to engage in debates about particular texts of the Bible. I want instead to zoom out and look at the nature of the Old and New Testaments themselves. I want to press in on the method by which God forms a people. When God revealed himself to a spiritually malnourished group who needed to be taught the things required for holiness, what did he do? How did God do it?
“He gave his people rituals. He gave them feasts tied to certain parts of the year and a system of sacrifice to teach his ways to coming generations:”
[…]
“Established prayers and actions pass on the faith, not as magic activities that contain meaning in themselves, but as occasions for remembering. And these rituals are not in conflict with deeply emotive experiences of God. Every psalm and song, every word of prayer and lament in the Old Testament, was written by Jewish people steeped in the rituals of Israel. The fact of the deeply personal relationship with God demonstrated in the Psalms, Jeremiah, and Isaiah gives lie to the idea that God only values informality.
[…]
“Stories and rituals pass on understanding. Jesus knew this. During his last night with his disciples he did not have them memorize a position paper on the meaning of the atonement; he gave them a meal—a ritual with set words and actions that immediately entered the life of the early church.”
[p 52-54]
March 3, 2023
Lent by Esau McCaulley is a tiny little book, but it is filled with great content.
I was so excited to receive this book from @ivpress and then open it up to find that first endorsement of this book was from @teeshahadra, the sister-in-law of one of my best friends from high school who has remained a faithful friend through the years. Her endorsement is perfect too—Hadra writes, “Esau McCaulley’s Lent is an invitation to live into the Scriptures, practices, and prayers of Lent afresh, calling and equipping us to experience the gravity of sin, but also the expanse of God’s grace and mercy. Whether you are a new or seasoned observer of Lent, this book is invaluable preparation to live into the contrition and true repentance to which this holy season invites us.”
It’s a very small book, but it’s packed with great content, and I am very slowly reading it this Lenten season. McCaulley says in the introduction that this book from the Fullness of Time series from @ivpress is not a devotional—rather, “theological and spiritual reflections that seek to provide spiritual formation by helping the reader live fully into the practices of each season. We want readers to understand how the church is forming them in the likeness of Christ through the church calendar” (2). (I’m so eager now to read more of the books from this series on the different church seasons!)
It’s not at all too late to get a copy for yourself, especially if you are able to access a copy through @hoopladigital. (The ebook and audiobook are available through my library, so check yours out! The physical copy is gorgeous, though!)
Aside from the discussion of Lent, I LOVED the discussion of liturgy in general in this book and felt that McCaulley gave language to why liturgical practices have been so helpful and meaningful for me as someone whose church experience did not include that aspect of the faith. I love his comment that “the liturgy helped me deepen and expand, not undo, the faith I’d been taught” (31). That has been my experience as well, and I think this book would be really helpful for anyone else looking for a discussion of the significance of liturgy in your faith journey. 💜💛
I was so excited to receive this book from @ivpress and then open it up to find that first endorsement of this book was from @teeshahadra, the sister-in-law of one of my best friends from high school who has remained a faithful friend through the years. Her endorsement is perfect too—Hadra writes, “Esau McCaulley’s Lent is an invitation to live into the Scriptures, practices, and prayers of Lent afresh, calling and equipping us to experience the gravity of sin, but also the expanse of God’s grace and mercy. Whether you are a new or seasoned observer of Lent, this book is invaluable preparation to live into the contrition and true repentance to which this holy season invites us.”
It’s a very small book, but it’s packed with great content, and I am very slowly reading it this Lenten season. McCaulley says in the introduction that this book from the Fullness of Time series from @ivpress is not a devotional—rather, “theological and spiritual reflections that seek to provide spiritual formation by helping the reader live fully into the practices of each season. We want readers to understand how the church is forming them in the likeness of Christ through the church calendar” (2). (I’m so eager now to read more of the books from this series on the different church seasons!)
It’s not at all too late to get a copy for yourself, especially if you are able to access a copy through @hoopladigital. (The ebook and audiobook are available through my library, so check yours out! The physical copy is gorgeous, though!)
Aside from the discussion of Lent, I LOVED the discussion of liturgy in general in this book and felt that McCaulley gave language to why liturgical practices have been so helpful and meaningful for me as someone whose church experience did not include that aspect of the faith. I love his comment that “the liturgy helped me deepen and expand, not undo, the faith I’d been taught” (31). That has been my experience as well, and I think this book would be really helpful for anyone else looking for a discussion of the significance of liturgy in your faith journey. 💜💛
November 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. McCauley does a great job of sharing both a bit of history of how Lent has been observed, as well as his own experience in the Anglican tradition. McCaulley's reflections were a refreshing and eye-opening perspective for understanding Lenten traditions. He paints a beautiful picture of how these liturgies are a blessing to the church and her spiritual formation. The only difficulty I had with this book was that he often stops short of what applying what observing Lent looks like for those who don't attend traditional, liturgical churches. He extends a great invitation into the liturgies of Lent, but for something that is so communally oriented I found it difficult to draw my own applications without the church architecture in place for this observance. Overall, a great book that made me want to press in deeper to my own Lenten practice and embark on the journey of observing with generations of believers before me.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the advance copy, in exchange for this honest review.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the advance copy, in exchange for this honest review.
February 19, 2024
This book is not prescribing a particular expression of Lent, it’s just a gentle exploration of the different customs of the season and the spiritual significance behind them.
Highly recommend the audio of this one, I listened through all of the copyright stuff because Esau McCaulley’s voice is so fantastic.
Highly recommend the audio of this one, I listened through all of the copyright stuff because Esau McCaulley’s voice is so fantastic.
March 1, 2023
I’m a Lent newbie so this was a helpful resource for me to better understand/participate in this season. This is the first in a series introducing the major celebrations/seasons of the liturgical calendar, which as a Baptist I’m not as familiar with but am growing in my appreciation for! McCaulley gives a short overview of the history behind Lent, the different practices observed (fasting, prayer, study, service), weekly prayers, and the days of Holy Week. Would recommend if you’re interested in diving more into Lenten traditions!
March 12, 2025
This was absolutely lovely - a great Lent resource and primer (of sorts). I will say, I was distracted by a number of spelling errors (do better InterVarsity Press), which was a bummer. Hopefully those will get fixed if there is another edition at some point.
February 23, 2023
Clear outline of spiritual practices during Lent, and so short I may listen to it again before I return it.
March 25, 2024
great intro into the liturgical practices of lent, and also into liturgical practices more generally for the rest of us also raised in a southern baptist church!
Read
April 13, 2025i learned so much from this one! will be using this more as a resource for this year and years to come!!
“that Lent is not about endless repetition of the fact that we are sinners. Instead, it offers us over and over the chance to see the beauty of life with God…Lent is a quieting of the soul and a lessening of distractions so we can again hear the voice of God.”
“Palm Sunday challenges us to consider whether we have adopted the efficiency of force and cruelty instead of the way of Jesus…. Rejecting the way of violence extends beyond critiquing kings and war horses. It includes how we treat those we love and those we disdain. It extends to how we interact with our friends, family, children, and coworkers. Are we people of violence? Can we put aside that violence and follow Jesus into the city, knowing what love demands of us?”
“Holy Saturday reminds us—as the Sabbath itself does—that for all our activity, our hope is not in the things we accomplish…Eventually, we all come to this place of waiting. We run out of room for human action. God will act or we are lost.”
“We can be at peace because God reigns even over the death that unnerves us. We end Lent with the confidence that all will be well. This is how the season of Lent concludes. Things are quiet. We are silent. We stand at the tomb wondering what God will do next. Whether we have kept our fasts or failed has no bearing on the final outcome.”
“that Lent is not about endless repetition of the fact that we are sinners. Instead, it offers us over and over the chance to see the beauty of life with God…Lent is a quieting of the soul and a lessening of distractions so we can again hear the voice of God.”
“Palm Sunday challenges us to consider whether we have adopted the efficiency of force and cruelty instead of the way of Jesus…. Rejecting the way of violence extends beyond critiquing kings and war horses. It includes how we treat those we love and those we disdain. It extends to how we interact with our friends, family, children, and coworkers. Are we people of violence? Can we put aside that violence and follow Jesus into the city, knowing what love demands of us?”
“Holy Saturday reminds us—as the Sabbath itself does—that for all our activity, our hope is not in the things we accomplish…Eventually, we all come to this place of waiting. We run out of room for human action. God will act or we are lost.”
“We can be at peace because God reigns even over the death that unnerves us. We end Lent with the confidence that all will be well. This is how the season of Lent concludes. Things are quiet. We are silent. We stand at the tomb wondering what God will do next. Whether we have kept our fasts or failed has no bearing on the final outcome.”
December 24, 2022
This little book helped reveal the beauty in a part of the Christian calendar that feels like legalism. There is so much beautiful and rich imagery in this season that I had never known or seen. I'm very thankful I read it!
February 15, 2024
2023: Clear, concise, profound, and helpful— all in one.
2024: I find it helpful to read the books in this series ahead of the actual season they each cover— this helps me to consider in advance how I might want to honor the day/season.
2024: I find it helpful to read the books in this series ahead of the actual season they each cover— this helps me to consider in advance how I might want to honor the day/season.
January 6, 2023
“Lent” by Esau McCauley is the first in the Fullness of Time series which sets out to be “reflections on the moods, themes, rituals, prayers, and Scriptures that mark each season. These are not, strictly speaking, devotionals. They are theological and spiritual reflections that seek to provide spiritual formation by helping the reader live fully into the practices of each season.” what I expected wasn’t quite what I read though. It is a lovely short read detailing the key milestones of Lent and the accompanying meaning and practices but predominately from an Anglican perspective referencing regularly the scriptures and rituals they go through.
Esau brings to the topic his insights and reflections but far less so than I was hoping having loved “Reading While Black”. If Lent is unfamiliar to you, this is a gentle invitation to take part. If you are Anglican or have been a part of the rituals but they felt like an item on a to-do list, this book will give you context and encouragement to engage in them. For me, it’s a four out of five, I didn’t gain as much from it as I hoped but appreciate it’s value to others.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from InterVarsity Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
Esau brings to the topic his insights and reflections but far less so than I was hoping having loved “Reading While Black”. If Lent is unfamiliar to you, this is a gentle invitation to take part. If you are Anglican or have been a part of the rituals but they felt like an item on a to-do list, this book will give you context and encouragement to engage in them. For me, it’s a four out of five, I didn’t gain as much from it as I hoped but appreciate it’s value to others.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from InterVarsity Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
October 25, 2022
(5/5) I have followed Dr. McCaulley on Twitter for the past few years, and when I saw that he was authoring a short book on Lent, I had to request it! Not being an Anglican or from that tradition, I was (and perhaps to an extent still am) unfamiliar with the liturgical rituals and traditions of the church year beyond Christmas, Easter, and occasionally being called upon to light the Advent candles at church on Sundays in December. I thought the way that McCaulley wrote this book was approachable for those who aren't as knowledgeable, perhaps it is even better for them. This book was a quick and informative read that taught me about the meaning of Lent, the rituals and benefits therein, and the heart of Christ for us in that season of the year. Would definitely recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2023
Great little book on lent and what it means. I share in Esau’s experience of having grown up in a baptist tradition that doesn’t have a very “high” liturgy or adhere too strictly to the Church calendar— just resurrection Sunday and Christmas.
This little book helped me to prepare my heart for lent this year, helped me to see the rich spiritual formation that is offered in liturgy and tradition, and helped me to hope in Jesus.
A short but worthwhile read for everyone as we prepare for lent. Also very insightful for those of us who have an allergy towards the “religion” of liturgy and tradition.
This little book helped me to prepare my heart for lent this year, helped me to see the rich spiritual formation that is offered in liturgy and tradition, and helped me to hope in Jesus.
A short but worthwhile read for everyone as we prepare for lent. Also very insightful for those of us who have an allergy towards the “religion” of liturgy and tradition.
February 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I have been participating in the lesson of lent for about 5 years now. Growing up and early adulthood i was never exposed to the beauty and depth of a liturgical experience. Most of my life was spent in a one denomination or another of a baptist church where anything liturgical was considered catholic and anything catholic was just wrong.
I really appreciated the way Esau approached the rich traditions of lent, and the liturgy that goes along with it. He does a great job introducing you to the season of lent that makes it easy to engage for those that are new to it. I look forward to the other books coming out in this series.
I really appreciated the way Esau approached the rich traditions of lent, and the liturgy that goes along with it. He does a great job introducing you to the season of lent that makes it easy to engage for those that are new to it. I look forward to the other books coming out in this series.
October 21, 2022
so thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed this book on Lent. If you are newer to the practice of Lent or to liturgical traditions, this is a really great introduction and explanation of what Lent is and what happens spiritually in Lent. Dr. McCaulley pastorally walks through Lent in such a way that encourages the reader to face their sinfulness in light of God’s glory, while appreciating Jesus’ sacrifice in our place. He really sits with repentance and lament in a beautiful way. I highly highly encourage reading this book.
March 22, 2023
We need to always ask why we do the things we do. This book does a great job communicating why you would want to observe Lenten practices.
“Our prayers, good deeds, fasts and scripture readings earn us nothing. Instead, they are spirit-empowered means of entering into communion with Christ. They are about sharing the thing itself – the divine life. It’s a gift we too easily cast aside. Lent reminds us that the opportunity to reclaim that gift is always near – as near as a resurrection itself.”
“Our prayers, good deeds, fasts and scripture readings earn us nothing. Instead, they are spirit-empowered means of entering into communion with Christ. They are about sharing the thing itself – the divine life. It’s a gift we too easily cast aside. Lent reminds us that the opportunity to reclaim that gift is always near – as near as a resurrection itself.”
March 16, 2025
“Lent is not just about letting go of vices, but adding or recovering aspects of Christian faith and practice.”
“We do not receive God’s grace only when we turn to him at the beginning of our spiritual journey. God’s grace meets us again and again.”
“That cross carries within it an entire story of human hope. It is the story of loss and gain, of the incarnation of the truly good one, his glorious life and his triumphant defeat of death”
“We do not receive God’s grace only when we turn to him at the beginning of our spiritual journey. God’s grace meets us again and again.”
“That cross carries within it an entire story of human hope. It is the story of loss and gain, of the incarnation of the truly good one, his glorious life and his triumphant defeat of death”
April 1, 2023
Great introduction into the season of Lent from an impressive scholar. I love when people like Esau write books like these, easy to read and entirely geared towards the life of faith. As one who is just beginning to take Lent & the church calendar seriously, I found this book very helpful in my journey towards ordering my life around the church's time.
February 24, 2023
Great primer on the season of Lent. It very helpfully unpacks the themes and rituals traditionally associated with Lent while accounting for pushback many low church evangelicals will have surrounding Lent and the church calendar in general.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews