All About Lent
Lent, the primary penitential season in the Church year, begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the Easter Triduum (6 Sundays and 40 weekdays). It reflects the forty days Jesus spent in the desert in prayer and fasting. During this intense time, Christians increase their prayer lives with spiritual exercises and penitential practices. They strengthen themselves with fasting or voluntary acts of self-denial. They practice almsgiving and charitable sharing, as stated in the following paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The season and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial, such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works). – CCC # 1438
The penitential disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are Lenten practices we do to bring about a change ourselves as we turn more toward God.
What might you do this Lent in these three traditional areas: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving?
What is the origin of the word “Lent”?
In English, the word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “lencten,” meaning “spring.” Also a root of “lent” means “lengthen,” a reference to lengthening days as Spring approaches. In Greek, French, Italian and Spanish, the word for Lent comes from the word 40, a reference to the 40 days of the season.
Why is the color purple used during Lent?
The Lenten liturgical color is purple, the color of royalty, which symbolizes the suffering of Jesus and anticipates the glory of the Resurrection. It is also the color of penance.
How did the observance of Lent develop in the Church?
The early Christians recognized the need to prepare for the great feast of Easter by prayer and fasting, but different Christian communities developed different practices. Some communities prayed and fasted for one day, some for two days, some for 40 hours, some for a full week. By the fourth century, the practice of beginning to pray and fast six Sundays before Easter became the accepted preparation for catechumens, who would be baptized at the Easter Vigil, and for public sinners, who had become separated from the church. By the eighth century, Lent as we know it today became established as a time of fasting, prayer, penance and almsgiving for the entire faith community.
How long does Lent last?
Lent will last for forty days, beginning with Ash Wednesday, ending on Holy Thursday and not including Sundays
Why does Lent last for 40 days?
The number forty has biblical significance as a time for prayer and spiritual preparation.
What is the origin of Ash Wednesday?
In the early years of Christianity, public sinners put ashes on their heads and faces as a sign of atonement for sins and a desire to be reunited with the worshiping community. The custom of marking the foreheads of everyone in the community is thought to have originated during the papacy of St. Gregory the Great (590-604). At the Synod of Benevento in 1091, receiving ashes became a universal practice in the Western world.
Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from?
Blessed palm branches left over from the previous Palm Sunday are burned. The ashes are blessed, sprinkled with holy water and incensed.
What does the priest say when distributing the ashes?
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” OR
“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
What is the significance of receiving ashes?
The ashes serve as reminders of our human mortality and the need for repentance. When we receive ashes, it is an invitation to repent, a challenge to grow closer to the Lord, and a gentle reminder that our time on this earth is limited.
How long should the ashes be left on one’s forehead?
The ashes should remain throughout the day. You can wash them off before going to bed.
Why do the dates of Ash Wednesday and Easter change every year?
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. It can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter Sunday.
Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation?
No. Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, but attendance at Mass and reception of ashes are encouraged because the day marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
What is the solemn Triduum?
The season of Lent ends with the beginning of the Triduum—a term meaning “Three Days.” The first day begins with Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday until Good Friday evening. The second day lasts from Good Friday evening until Holy Saturday evening. The third day is from Holy Saturday evening until Easter Sunday evening.
Are there any changes in the Mass during Lent?
During Lent the priest prays a special Preface of the season. The Gloria is omitted from Mass, and the word “alleluia,” which means “praise the Lord,” is not spoken or sung during Lenten liturgies.
What is meant by the “Paschal Fast”?
The paschal fast begins after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and is broken with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. It is a fast from food and activities that distract us from preparing for the great feast of Easter. Some suggestions include fasting from television, listening only to sacred or inspirational music, and avoiding shopping or other activities. The faithful are encouraged to pray especially for those who are preparing to enter the Church through the sacraments of initiation.
