- in Uncategorized by Alexis Rodrigo
All about Lent
Many people around the world celebrate Lent each year. For the uninitiated, Lent is the 40-day period (actually 46 since Sundays aren?t included in the count) from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. It is a time of spiritual introspection and preparation. Lenten celebrations differ depending upon the denomination.
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten. Those who celebrated in early history wore sackcloth, sprinkled ashes on their heads and stayed separated from their communities until Maundy Thursday which is the Thursday before Easter. This requirement is no longer practiced today.
Today if you celebrate Ash Wednesday you may apply an ash cross on your forehead. This will serve as a sign that you are penitent. The idea is to remind you that you ?are dust and will return to dust? but also that you are expected to ?turn from sin and live the gospel.?
The length of Lent may be explained because the number 40 is often seen as a time of devotion, discipline and preparation in the Bible. Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days. The spies were in the Promised Land for 40 days. And, of course, Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days before he began his earthly ministry. Those honoring the celebration are encouraged to follow Jesus? example by fasting and praying during this time.
If you?d like to fast for Lent, you can do it in a number of ways. You can eat one meal and refrain from eating for the other two. You can fast the entire day and drink only fruit juices or water. You can also give up an activity such as watching television or using your computer for entertainment (many jobs require computers so it would be difficult to give them up entirely). Children and those with medical conditions aren?t expected to fast. They can give up something else if they so choose.
In the past, people observing Lent would give up meat each Friday. They could, however, still consume fish and edible birds. Why, you might ask? Some denominations believe fish and fowl to be a different classification of animal because they are not bound to the land the way deer, cows and other land animals are.
Something else which is common during Lent is practicing almsgiving. This practice is an integral part because Jesus gave himself for mankind, and it only makes sense that people would also want to give to others and imitate Christ. Some churches will send an offering plate around or will have a box where people can place donations. Giving alms is scriptural and can be found in various places including Luke 21:1-4 and Matthew 25:45.
There is much more to Lent than the above. If you would like to learn more you can visit a local Catholic, Episcopal or Lutheran church. You can also go to the local library to look it up or do a search on the internet. Any of these would be able to answer questions you may have.
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