Lent

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.

Lent is the forty-day period of atonement and fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates with Holy Week, as recognized by most Christian demoninations. The word "Lent" is taken from the Anglo-Saxon or Teutonic word Lencten, meaning "spring". Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, is an important Holy Day because it marks Christ's death on the cross. This entire holy season commemorates the period when Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert after His baptism (by John the Baptist), see Matthew 4:1-2 , culminating in the Three Temptations of Christ (Matthew 4:3-11 ). Christ's Resurrection is celebrated after the conclusion of Lent.

The three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer and almsgiving. The forty days of Lent have historically been characterized by fasting (the consumption of one vegetarian meal daily) along with abstinence from meat, lacticinia, and alcohol. In the present day, while certain denominations observe this discipline (such as the Coptic Orthodox Church), in others, such as the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican traditions, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are presently observed with fasting with the Fridays of Lent being days of abstinence.

During Lent, Christians commit to making a Lenten sacrifice, in which they give up a pleasure for the entire season (such as chocolate). This Lenten sacrifice is kept from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday inclsuive and with the arrival of Resurrection Sunday (Easter), believers can indulge in what they gave up for Lent. Lent is a terrific opportunity to lose weight and overcome addiction.

Observances and Discipline

Historical

Lent was formerly a forty-hour fast, that eventually expanded to a week. Forty days of Lent were accepted by the Council of Nicaea by 325 A.D.

Traditional

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and members of other Christian denominations place blessed ashes in the shape of a cross on each forehead. During the six-week period of Lent in the Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fasting consists of one full meal, two small meals totaling less than a full meal, no meat, and no snacks between meals. It is expected that each person will increase prayer, alms giving, and give up something dear and of value—or else provide for others out of one's normal routine. This is a sign of unity and sacrifice for the Lord's sake.

Lent is set to represent the 40 days of Jesus' fast, but the catholic church also sees all Sundays as days of feasting (in celebration of Jesus' resurrection), and forbids fasting. This means that the 40 days of lent are calculated around Sundays. So, lent is laid out to include six weeks (of six fasting days), and four extra days. Each Sunday is a break from that "fast," as a day of feasting.

After Lent, these churches start the Octave of Easter recognition.

Modern

Currently, many people deny themselves of a privilege during Lent. Large numbers forgo eating meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. The Roman Catholic Church highlights penance, almsgiving, ceasing from festivities, and extra time for religious exercises.

Piero della Francesca, Resurrection.

Holy Week

Holy Week is the final week of Lent. It begins the Sunday before Easter, called Palm Sunday, on which Christ's welcome into Jerusalem is celebrated. The week concludes with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), which commemorates the Last Supper. [Good Friday]] (also known as Black Friday) commemorates the passion and death of Christ. Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday celebrate the glorious resurrection of Christ from the dead.

External links

• Lent, New Advent website
• What is Lent?, Christianity.org.uk
• What is Lent?, Dynamic Catholic website
• Lent, Britannica

Lent devotions:

• Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries