Lent: 40 days of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening. It lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays. Since Lent is a period of scarcity, it involves fasting and self-denial. It is followed by the celebration of Easter (which lasts for eight days).
Lent incorporates almsgiving. Notable is the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. The period also incorporates fasting and self-denial. Catholics aged 14 and above must abstain from eating meat on Fridays, and those aged 18-64 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (the day on which Jesus died). Finally, the period often incorporates prayer. Catholics will often go to Confession and Eucharistic Adoration during the month. Do you think the Lenten expectations are too severe?
Lent Summarized
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends at the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening. It is 40 days long, not including Sundays. Practising Catholics must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. They cannot eat meat on any Friday during the season. They give something up for the month. Usually something they like or rely on. They also give money to a charitable cause, such as the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. A great program that exists in some Catholic Dioceses. Finally, Catholics pray during the period. You will see them doing extra things, like going to Confession or Eucharistic Adoration.
Suggestions for Fasting
Fasting can be difficult. Catholics must do it twice during the period. There are, however, some tricks that can be useful. First, eat a big meal the night before, preferably late. Second, on the day of the fast, take a nap to shorten the day. Finally, though there are prohibitions on eating, there are none on drinking. So, drink plenty of water.
Bishop’s Lenten Appeal
One important component is almsgiving. That means giving money to a charitable cause. One such cause, which exists in many Catholic dioceses. The Bishop’s Lenten Appeal is when the bishop of a diocese asks for money. That money is used to support a variety of diocesan charitable causes, and the home parish is often given a portion of the proceeds.
Some of the programs supported by the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal include support for Seminarians (those studying to become priests). There is also a Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities is a diocesan-level charity that helps people in need. Finally, a whole host of additional diocesan programs are supported. Examples include support for low-income pregnant women, funding for programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and other diocesan programs such as fairs and picnics.
Prayer
There are always opportunities for prayer. They exist all year long, but become more popular during the time of preparation. Three ideas will be highlighted here to help readers. First, Catholics can go to Confession. As a matter of fact, they should. Second, Eucharistic adoration is available all year, but it may become more appealing to people preparing for Easter. Finally, pray the rosary or read sacred scripture. Praying the rosary is a devotional prayer, and it is always a good idea to become more familiar with sacred scripture.
Parting Shots
Interestingly, neither Ash Wednesday nor Good Friday are so-called holy day of obligation. Catholics do not need to attend Mass on those days, though they may feel inclined to do so. One noteworthy occurrence is the presence of ‘Christers,’ people who attend Mass only on Christmas and Easter. It is sad that there are so many non-practicing Catholics.
Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of the practices of Lent as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of church teachings can differ, and this piece represents one approach.
