Lent is the 40-day observance before Easter that marks a time of sacrificing luxuries and worshiping Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday. However, Lent does not include Sundays until Holy Thursday as every Sunday should be a time to pause and fast. For many, Lent is a wonderful time of self-sacrifice and returning to God what is rightfully His. This practice is never explicitly mentioned in the Bible, yet it remains a core tenet of Christianity.
Several biblical examples of 40 set the numerical pattern which the 40 days of Lent follow. Chronologically, God rained water on the earth for 40 days. The Hebrews wandered through the wilderness for 40 years. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with God. Elijah spent 40 days walking on Mount Horeb. The prophesy of Jonah gave the Ninevites 40 days to repent. Finally, arguably the most important example, Jesus modeled 40 days of fasting while in the wilderness.
According to The Conversation article titled “What are the origins of Lent?”, the fourth century, A.D., was when Christians applied the 40 days that Jesus modeled to the three holiest days in the year, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. After this application, it was common to fast for 40 days before each of these holy days. According to The Conversation, Lent and its fasting became more widely accepted as Christianity became more common in western Europe. During the 12th century, some days became known as “black” days, or days during Lent in which one should fast the entire day, though this idea gradually faded overtime.
The traditional values celebrated during Lent include prayer, fasting and charity. Prayer is the action of admitting guilt and appealing to God for intersession. Fasting is, in traditional contexts, the partial abstention from food (one meal a day, typically after sundown, and a few small snacks throughout the day). Yet, fasting could also be giving time or energy to pursue Christ that is usually spent elsewhere. Lastly, charity is giving your personal funds to thank God. Charity is not a way to get ahead in the spiritual game but is instead a pure gesture of gratitude to Christ for all the blessings He provides in life. Lent is a wonderful time of sacrifice and thanksgiving. Though Lent has already happened this year, it is never too late to join in the Church in its worldwide exercise of reflection and thankfulness
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