Behind the “Lenten Season”

 Lent is the 40-day period preceding Easter in the Christian calendar. Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is a season of reflection and preparation before the Easter celebrations. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

 It is an important religious observance in the Christian world because it marks and commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's son, our Savior, and Redeemer. It's a good time and an opportunity to think about what it means to be a Christian. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. Also Lent, known as the "Great Fast," is a period of time during which Christians are supposed to give up some comfort or embrace some spiritual practice that focuses on self, repentance from sin, and, overall, soul renewal, all in anticipation of greater devotion to serving others and God. Catholics are not supposed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday. They also are expected to give up meat on Fridays during Lent. Catholics also are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday. Fasting means consuming only one full meal a day; two smaller meals that don't together add up to a full meal also are allowed. Almsgiving is, at its core, a spiritual and religious practice that helps strengthen our fondness for others, enhances our detachment, and encourages greater social justice. This three-fold meaning of almsgiving allows us to understand why it is so important during the Lenten season.

The Lenten Season is a time when people remember Jesus Christ's sufferings and death. During the Lenten season, people usually do three traditional things: pray, fast, and give alms. We have the capability and ability to be holy as sinners if we allow Christ into our lives.

We become responsible, law-abiding citizens and peacemakers if we obey his teachings. We become selfless, pondering of others who will benefit from our great actions, compassion, generosity, and gratitude. We become more conscientious of and concerned about others, particularly the underprivileged, underserved, marginalized, disabled, elderly, helpless, and hopeless among us.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent

https://gravityleadership.com/how-to-fast-for-lent/