What Is the Meaning of Lent for Christians?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter Sunday. Lent began in the early days of the Christian church as a period of preparation for Easter. Although Lent is not mentioned in the Bible, it is one of the oldest Christian traditions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duration
-
Lent lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays, for the western Christian religions including Protestants, Catholics and Anglicans.
Symbolism
-
According to the Rev. Ken Collins, Lent represents the retreat Jesus took into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting.
-
Fasting
-
Fasting does not mean giving up food or water altogether. It usually means abstaining from meat, fish, dairy products or a combination of these foods during Lent to simulate the fasting of Jesus.
Purpose
-
According to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Christians regard Lent as a period of discipline and penance.
Ash Wednesday
-
On Ash Wednesday, Christians focus on their own sinfulness. Ashes are used to remind them of their mortality.
Holy Week
-
The last week of Lent–known as Holy Week–commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life on earth. Maundy Thursday observes the Last Supper and Good Friday represents the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
-
References
- Photo Credit Pool/Getty Images News/Getty Images
More Like This
Comments
-
To all of my friends from the Fb. As you know this is the time for lent & try to be nicer to other people & even love the people you may think hate you & forgive the people who have offended you in the past for no apparent reason.You have a heart to love not to hate.
