Learn What Lent Means to Christians
Lent is the Christian season of
spiritual preparation before Easter. In Western churches, it begins on Ash
Wednesday. During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting,
repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. The purpose of
the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ—to
consider his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and
resurrection.
Why Are Pancakes Eaten on
Shrove Tuesday Before Lent? Many churches that observe Lent, celebrate
Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday (the day
before Ash Wednesday) to use up rich foods like eggs and dairy in anticipation
of the 40-day fasting season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is also called Fat Tuesday
or Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday. During the six weeks of
self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically make a
commitment to fast, or to give up something—a habit, like smoking, watching TV,
swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate, or coffee. Some
Christians also take on a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible and
spending more time in prayer to draw nearer to God. Strict observers of
Lent do not eat meat on Fridays, often opting for fish instead. The goal of
these spiritual disciplines is to strengthen the faith of the observer and
develop a closer relationship with God.
The Significance of 40 Days The
40-day period of Lent is based on two episodes of spiritual testing in the
Bible: the 40 years of wilderness wanderings by the Israelites after the exodus
from Egypt (Numbers 33:38 and Deuteronomy 1:3) and the Temptation of Jesus after
he spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke
4:1-13). In the Bible, the number 40 holds special significance in the
measurement of time, and many other important events revolve around it. During
the flood, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:4, 12, 17; 8:6).
Moses fasted on the mountain for 40 days and nights before God gave the Ten
Commandments (Exodus 24:18; 34:28; Deuteronomy 9). The spies spent 40 days in
the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:25; 14:34). The prophet Elijah traveled for 40
days and nights to reach the mountain of God in Sinai (1 Kings 19:8).
Lent in Western Christianity In
Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the
season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Technically 46, as
Sundays are not included in the count). Officially named "Day of
Ashes," the exact date changes every year because Easter and its
surrounding holidays are movable feasts.
Ash Wednesday In the
Catholic church, adherents attend mass on Ash Wednesday. The priest distributes
ashes by lightly rubbing the sign of the cross with ashes onto the worshippers'
foreheads. This tradition is meant to identify the faithful with Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, ashes are a symbol of repentance and death. Thus, observing Ash
Wednesday at the start of the Lenten season represents one's repentance from
sin as well as Jesus Christ's sacrificial death to set followers free from sin
and death.
Do All Christian Observe Lent?
Not all Christian churches observe Lent. Lent is mostly observed by the
Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman
Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6
weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy
Week of Orthodox Easter. The Bible does not mention the custom of Lent,
however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel
13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21. The account
of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial, and his resurrection,
or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture:
Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.
History of Lent Early
Christians felt the importance of Easter called for special preparations. The
first mention of a 40-day period of fasting in preparation for Easter is found
in the Canons of Nicaea (AD 325). It is thought that the tradition may have
grown from the early church practice of baptismal candidates undergoing a
40-day period of fasting in preparation for their baptism at Easter.
Eventually, the season evolved into a period of spiritual devotion for the
whole church. During the initial centuries, the Lenten fast was very strict but
relaxed over time.
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