Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, penance, and spiritual reflection that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Lent is a time for us to prepare for Easter by engaging in acts of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving.

During Lent, we are encouraged to make personal sacrifices, such as abstaining from certain foods or activities, as a way to deepen our spiritual commitment and reflect on our faith. Some may also choose to engage in additional religious practices, such as attending daily Mass or participating in a Lenten retreat.

The 40-day duration of Lent is based on the 40 days that our Lord Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry. (St. Matthew 4:1-11) It is a time for Catholics to reflect on our own personal journey of faith and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

Here are some ways that we might spend time during Lent:

Prayer: Lent is a time to deepen one’s prayer life. We might attend daily Mass, spend time in personal prayer or meditation, participate in the Stations of the Cross, or attend a Lenten retreat.

Fasting: Fasting is a traditional practice during Lent, where we abstain from food or certain types of food. Some might also fast from other things, such as social media or television, as a way to discipline themselves and focus on spiritual growth.

Alms-giving: Lent is a time to give to those in need. Catholics might volunteer at a local charity, donate to a food bank or homeless shelter, or make a special offering at their parish or a religious organization.

Spiritual Reading: Reading spiritual books can help us deepen our understanding of the faith during Lent. Some might choose to read the Bible, spiritual classics, or books on Catholic theology.

Community: Lent is a time to deepen one’s connection to the community. We might participate in a Lenten small group or attend parish events or services if they are available. This can be a time to support one another and grow together in faith.

Overall, Lent is a time for Catholics to refocus our lives on God and grow in our faith.

God bless you +
Rev. Fr. Charles
(18 Feb. 2023)