Lenten Season
Lent is the period of 40 days that comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. Only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent, although some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is more common these days for believers to surrender a particular vice such as favorite foods or smoking. Whatever the sacrifice it is a reflection of Jesus' deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline.
In addition, Catholics and other Christians often choose to
give up specific pleasures, such as sweets, alcohol, or social media, during
Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self-control; many use their cravings or
desires for these items as a reminder to pray and to refocus on spiritual
matters. But why 40 days? According to the bible, lent is connected with the
40-day fast that Jesus undergoes (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). All
three accounts say that Jesus went without food for 40 days. In Genesis, the
flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of
rain. The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land
promised to them by God. Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the ten
commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in
preparation for his ministry.
Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and reflection. It’s a
time to reflect on both our faith and our lives, and an opportunity to pause
and take a deeper look at things otherwise overlook or take for granted. Lent
is about spiritual results, not material results. This means any fasting we do
should be done for God’s glory and our spiritual growth. The most important
thing to remember while celebrating Lent is although the practices may vary for
the various denominations, the focus remains the same: to repent our sins, to
renew our faith, and prepare ourselves to celebrate the mysteries of our
salvation.
Reference/s:
(n.d.). Retrieved from American Bible Society News:
https://assets.news.americanbible.org/uploads/thumbnails/lent-a-season-for-biblical-meditation-ash-wednesday-lenten-season-american-bible-society-blog-new.jpg
Hi, Kyla. I loved how you expressed your ideas in an organized manner and with that, it is easier to understand what this season is about. Amazing work!
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