What is Lent?

By William Pelrine Jr.

The frequently asked question (FAQ) in this month’s title people have asked for many centuries.  Lent is a time in which we Christians remember when Our Savior Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness after being baptized by John the Baptist.

  During this season, which begins on Ash Wednesday, many Christians will consider this a time of self-denial, to be more like Jesus. Ever since I was a child I have denied myself something I enjoy for Lent. Once, for example, I gave up chocolate. That’s really a type of fasting, which is in a small way like Christ who went without food and drink for 40 days.  That is why the Lenten season is 40 days long, not counting Sundays.  It ends on Holy Saturday, which is the day before Easter.

  On Ash Wednesday, Roman Catholic, as well as some Protestant denominations, make the sign of the cross with ashes on their foreheads to remind us that we are “dust and to dust you will return.”  “Theses ashes are made by burning the blessed palms of the previous year.” (1)

  Lent is also a time of repentance.  Repentance is when we turn away from our sins and turn toward God.  Penance, as repentance is also called, is not necessarily a time when we stop doing something we’re not supposed to do, it can also be a time when we do a good deed for our neighbor(s).

  May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.