Lent is a significant season in the Christian liturgical calendar, observed primarily in the Catholic Church, as well as in many Protestant and Anglican denominations. It is a period of forty days dedicated to reflection, repentance, and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. But What Is Lent truly about and why is it observed?
Lent is traditionally described as a time of solemn observance and spiritual preparation. It mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry, as recounted in the Gospels. This period provides Christians with an opportunity to follow Christ’s example of sacrifice and self-denial, drawing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It’s a time to examine one’s life, confess sins, and seek reconciliation with God and neighbor.
The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The forty days represent spiritual testing and renewal, not counting Sundays, which are considered celebrations of Christ’s resurrection even within Lent. Each Sunday in Lent is seen as a mini-Easter, offering a respite from Lenten disciplines while still maintaining the season’s overall focus on repentance and preparation.
Within the broader understanding of what is Lent, three pillars stand out as key practices for observing this holy season: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. These disciplines are not merely external acts but are meant to foster inner conversion and a deeper relationship with God.
The Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Prayer: Deepening Connection with God
As St. Therese of Lisieux beautifully stated, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” During Lent, the call to prayer becomes more focused and intentional. It’s an invitation to seek the Lord more earnestly, to engage with Scripture, and to cultivate a more intimate relationship with God. This can take many forms, from personal reflection and meditation to communal prayer and devotions. Many find this season a perfect time to engage more deeply with scripture or practices like praying the rosary, as suggested by the original text.
Prayers and Devotions offer valuable resources for those looking to enrich their prayer life during Lent.
Fasting: Practice of Self-Control and Solidarity
Fasting, another crucial aspect of what is Lent entails, is an ancient spiritual practice of abstaining from food or certain types of food as an act of penance and self-discipline. In the Catholic tradition, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence, with Fridays during Lent also being days of abstinence from meat.
For Latin Catholics, the fasting guidelines typically apply to those aged 18 to 59. Fasting on these days means consuming only one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. Abstinence from meat is observed by those 14 years and older. Eastern Catholic Churches have their own specific guidelines for fasting during Lent, reflecting the diversity within the Catholic Church.
The fast observed on Good Friday is often extended until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, known as the “paschal fast.” This extended fast is a way to honor Christ’s suffering and death and to prepare for the joy of his Resurrection.
Resources like the USCCB’s Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, the complementary norm to canon 1253, and the Code of Canon Law (cc. 1249-1253) provide further information on the rules and understanding of fasting in the Catholic Church.
Beyond the regulations, the spirit of Lenten fasting is about self-denial and recognizing our dependence on God. It can also be a powerful act of solidarity with those who suffer from hunger and deprivation. Organizations like CRS Rice Bowl offer Catholics a way to connect their fasting practice with almsgiving by donating the money saved from meals to help those in need through Catholic Relief Services.
Almsgiving: Acts of Charity and Justice
Almsgiving, the third pillar in understanding what is Lent, emphasizes charity and compassion for others, particularly the poor and needy. Rooted in the Gospel’s call to love and serve, almsgiving during Lent is a focused effort to donate time, resources, and acts of kindness to those in need. It is more than just donating money; it encompasses all acts of charity and justice. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).
Lent provides numerous opportunities for almsgiving. Many dioceses organize special appeals for local needs, and there are countless ways to support charities and individuals throughout the season. This can include volunteering time, donating to food banks, supporting Church ministries, or simply offering a helping hand to someone in need.
The USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development offers Resources and Tools, including a Poverty Tour, to help individuals engage with the Church’s social mission and the preferential option for the poor.
Embracing Lent for Spiritual Renewal
Ultimately, what is Lent is a call to spiritual renewal and conversion. It’s an invitation to intentionally draw closer to God through prayer, self-discipline, and acts of love and charity. By engaging in these practices, Christians prepare their hearts to more fully celebrate the joy of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is not just about giving something up; it’s about taking on practices that lead to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and our neighbor.
