What is Lent?
Lent is a significant season in the Catholic Church that lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. It’s a time of preparation, penance, and reflection, where Catholics focus on spiritual growth and repentance in anticipation of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.
The 40 days symbolize the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry, during which he was tempted by Satan. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
The main practices during Lent include:
Fasting: Catholics traditionally fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meaning they eat only one full meal, with two smaller meals allowed, and no snacks. Some also choose to give up certain foods or pleasures (like chocolate, social media, or alcohol) for the entire season.
Almsgiving: Lent encourages giving to those in need. Catholics often donate time, money, or resources to charity as an expression of love and support for others.
Prayer: Lent is a time for deepening one’s relationship with God through prayer. Many Catholics participate in daily Mass, attend Stations of the Cross, or reflect more intently on Scripture.
The goal of Lent is to deepen one's faith, repent for sins, and prepare spiritually for the joy of Easter. It's a season of self-discipline and reflection, ultimately focused on renewal and growth in one's relationship with God.