Lectionary Preaching Workbook
This cycle is made up of two seasons, Lent and Easter, which together form exactly one-quarter of the calendar and church years; the cycle is always thirteen weeks long, having 6 1/2 weeks in Lent and 7 weeks in the Easter Season. Unlike Advent, which could exist on its own as an eschatological season, Lent cannot be separated from Easter. The crucifixion of Christ is the conclusion of Lent; without the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus would only be a martyr, or worse. Since Easter - the great fifty days - is the "essential season" of the church year, it gives its name to the entire cycle.