40 Days: What Lent Really Means

Monday 10-03-2025 - 14:58

40 Days: What Lent Really Means

Have you ever wondered what are the 40 days of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter?

Understanding Lent: A Season of Reflection

Lent is a significant season within the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly observed by Catholics and many other Christian denominations. It's a 40-day period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. Lent is from March 5th to April 17th, leading up to Easter Sunday on April 20th.

Lent origins trace back to the early Church, with evidence of pre-Easter fasting practices from as early as the 2nd century, and the 40 day period becoming more standardised by the 4th century (Gueranger, 1997).

The Purpose of Lent

Lent's primary purpose is to follow Jesus's example of spending 40 days in the desert, as recounted in the Gospels. During this time, Jesus fasted and was tempted, demonstrating a period of intense spiritual focus. Although we may not literally go to a desert without food or water, Lent invites us to experience a spiritual desert, a time for strengthening our relationship with God and cultivating virtue.

Lent consists of 3 practices:

Prayer: Deepening our communication with God. Examples include engaging in extra prayer, such as attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, or reading Scripture.
Fasting: Practicing self-discipline and acknowledging our dependence on God. In terms of food, Catholics are obligated to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Examples include giving up something we are attached to, such as a particular food or activity. This is a form of fasting, a practice of self-denial that helps us focus on spiritual matters.
Almsgiving: Sharing our resources with those in need. Examples include performing acts of charity, such as volunteering or donating to those in need.

These practices are not about earning God's favor, but about creating space for God in our lives. It's about an internal transformation. They aim to purify our hearts and minds, preparing us to celebrate the joy of Easter.

Biblical Roots

The 40-day period is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. We see it in:

Jesus's 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
The 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert (Numbers 14:33-34).
The 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18).

These instances signify periods of testing, purification, and preparation for a significant encounter with God.

Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Lent

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day when many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This symbolic act represents mortality and repentance. The ashes are a visible reminder of our need for God's mercy and forgiveness. The phrase often said during the imposition of ashes "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," is a direct reminder of our human nature, and the need to turn to God.

Lent and Easter

Lent culminates in Holy Week, which includes:

Palm Sunday: Commemorating Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Thursday: Remembering the Last Supper.
Good Friday: Recalling Jesus's crucifixion.
Holy Saturday: A day of waiting.

Finally, Easter Sunday arrives, the celebration of Jesus's resurrection, the central event of the Christian faith. While cute bunnies and eggs are often associated with Easter, the core of the celebration is the resurrection.

Lent for Everyone

Even if you're not religious, Lent can offer valuable lessons in self-reflection, discipline, and compassion. It's a time to consider our priorities, examine our choices, and strive to be better people.

Praying for a Blessed Lent to everyone that observes this incredible season of reflection!

If you're interested in learning more, please feel free to join our Catholic Society meetings and events!

Useful Resources:

Hallow app - their annual Lent Pray40 challenge has helped millions of people around the world to tune in prayer together - they have a free 30 day trial when you sign up: https://hallow.com/pray40/
The Chosen - a critically acclaimed series that portrays the life of Jesus and his disciples: https://watch.thechosen.tv/

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