As the season of Lent approaches, you might be pondering what Lent is really about. Isn’t it just a “Catholic thing”? Is there any rhyme or reason to fasting for forty days at the end of winter? How can I participate in Lent?
Lent is a centuries-old tradition that prepares our hearts for Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection on Easter. It refocuses our hearts to journey to Calvary with Christ and seek out a relationship with Him. Here are the answers to seven common questions you might be asking about Lent.
1. Why is Lent 40 Days?
The observation of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday, is a solemn way to practice a period of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. The 40-day length (not counting Sundays) is not just a number—it’s based on Jesus’ 40-day trial in the desert before beginning his earthly ministry. During those 40 days and nights, Jesus fasted, prayed, and was tempted by Satan. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert” (CCC 540).
The number 40 has great significance throughout the Old Testament. The great flood in Noah’s time lasted 40 days and nights, the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert, and Moses fasted for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai before receiving the ten commandments. By participating in a 40-day Lent, we reflect on these biblical figures and join in their practice of prayer and fasting.
2. Is Lent a “Catholic Thing”?
Lent emerged as a Christian tradition shortly following the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. The Catholic Church places great importance on Lent, but the practice of Lent is much older than the modern branches of Christianity that we know today. Christians of all denominations are welcome to participate in Lenten fasting and reflection, though the Catholic tradition puts special emphasis on almsgiving and self-discipline during Lent.
Interested in participating in Lent but don’t know where to start? Download your guided Lent Reflections Devotional.
3. Why Do We Fast During Lent?
Much like its 40-day duration, the practice of fasting comes from Jesus’ own example during his trial in the desert. The Gospel of St. Luke tells of Jesus’ fasting immediately after his baptism: “Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry” (Luke 4:1-2).
Fasting allows us to follow Jesus’ example and rely on God to satisfy us. While Jesus was still hungry from his 40-day fast, the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread, but Jesus, strengthened by the Spirit, confronted him with the truth that “Man shall not live on bread alone.” The physical hunger of fasting reminds us what it means to seek God for our spiritual needs.
4. Can You Eat Meat During Lent?
The Catholic Lent tradition includes some specific guidelines for eating meat and fasting during Lent. Those above the age of 18 and in good health are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and fast from meat on all Fridays during Lent. All other days during Lent are free of official food restrictions, but many choose to give up other luxuries, attend Mass daily, or practice penance.
5. Why Do We Give Up Things for Lent?
Giving up earthly and physical luxuries during Lent is another way to practice fasting and walk in the footsteps of Christ. While it’s not imposed by the Church, giving something up for Lent (a certain food, habit, or enjoyable activity) is a continual reminder to pray and reflect on our need for God. Every time you find yourself craving a snack or reaching for something fun to do, you can stop and pray.
6. Do Sundays Count in Lent?
Yes, each Sunday in Lent should be observed as a part of the solemn preparation for Easter. In centuries past when the Church required strict fasting for the entirety of Lent, Sundays were seen as a day of respite and enjoyment. Now, the only two mandated fasting days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, so all other fasting during Lent is seen as a personal practice of reflection and repentance. You may decide to continue fasting on Sunday, but the Church doesn’t require it any more than it requires fasting throughout the rest of Lent.
7. How Do You Prepare for Lent?
The Church offers three main ways for how to observe Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. You can prepare for Lent by making a clear commitment to seek God through each of these holy practices.
You can start the preparation for fasting by spending time in prayer leading up to Ash Wednesday, asking God to show you what earthly things have been distracting you from spiritual renewal. Set up a plan for almsgiving, and seek out Christ-oriented organizations that are serving the poor and needy.
Weekly devotionals help you stay focused in prayer during Lent. Our Lent reflections walk you through each week’s Gospel with a reflection, prayer, and action step, guiding you from the sorrow of Christ’s passion to the joy of Easter.
Join us in this season of prayer and reflection. Access our Lenten reflections today and journey with Christ to the cross as we experience the renewal of the Resurrection.
