What is Lent Anyhow?
What is it?
Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter. There is a 40-day period of fasting.
What is the significance of the “40”?
“Forty” has long had spiritual significance for Jews and Christians in regard to preparation. For example, Moses was with God for forty day and nights on Mount Sinai in preparation for receiving the Ten Commandments (34:28). But the primary focus for Lent is on: Matthew 4:1-2, where Jesus is portrayed as fasting for “forty” days and nights; Mark 1:12-13, depicting Jesus as being led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for “forty” days; and Luke 4:1-2, telling of Jesus being led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to fast and to be tempted by the devil for “forty” days. Taking into consideration how Jesus prepared for his ministry, “forty” was determined to be the number of days his followers should use in preparing for Easter.
When does it begin?
March 5, 2014- April 20, 2014. Ash Wednesday still marks the beginning of Lent, which lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays. The present fasting and abstinence laws are very simple: On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the faithful fast (having only one full meal a day and smaller snacks to keep up one’s strength) and abstain from meat; on the other Fridays of Lent, the faithful abstain from meat. People are still encouraged “to give up something” for Lent as a sacrifice. (An interesting note is that technically on Sundays and solemnities like St. Joseph’s Day (March 19) and the Annunciation (March 25), one is exempt and can partake of whatever has been offered up for Lent.
Why would I want to participate in 40 days of giving up the things that I like?
The focus remains the same: to repent of sin, to renew our faith and to prepare to celebrate joyfully the mysteries of our salvation. For Christians, Lent continues to symbolize the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The period of fasting from certain foods, drinks and activities serves as a reminder of the sorrow and joy of the Resurrection and the truly loving and compassionate spirit of the Christian faith.
Copyright (c) 2014 by Cassandra Baker Durham
Cassandra Durham 