Lenten Season

Next week, on Wednesday, February 18, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It is a time of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we are called not only to abstain from luxuries but also to a true inner conversion of heart, seeking to follow Christ’s will more faithfully.

The baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment, while others prepare for baptism through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), a period of learning and discernment for individuals who wish to become Catholics.

Important Questions to Think About and Reflect On

What does the Bible say about Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is not mentioned in the Bible. However, the use of ashes as a religious sign is well-founded in Scripture. In Judaism, ashes were used as a sign of mourning (Esther 4:3) and repentance (Jonah 3:6; Job 42:6). Ashes symbolize the impermanence of human life and turning from sin back to God.

Where do ashes come from for Ash Wednesday?
The ashes are made from the palms used on the previous year’s Palm Sunday, usually brought by parishioners to the parish.

How long are you supposed to keep ashes on your forehead?
That is up to the individual, but wearing ashes publicly can be a strong witness if done without vain intention.

Do you have to be Catholic to receive ashes?
No. Since it is not a sacrament, anyone may receive ashes, though they should respect Catholic practice and intention.

Is Lent in the Bible?
While Lent itself is not specifically mentioned, Jesus’ 40 days of preparation in the desert provide a biblical basis. He fasted, prayed, and overcame the temptations of the Evil One. We are called to imitate His resolve.

What does it mean to deny yourself?
Mother Angelica said: “When you do penance for Lent, you imitate Jesus and strengthen your will so that when something sinful comes your way, you can say no.”

What are the penitential rules for Lent?
Repentance is necessary for salvation, and acts that manifest repentance (Luke 13:1-9; Acts 26:28) are encouraged. Every Friday is a day of penitence, acknowledging our sins and the price of our salvation—a “little Good Friday.” Unless it is a Solemnity (e.g., St. Joseph, March 19), Catholics abstain from meat. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is required for Catholics ages 18–59: one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.

What are the three things we do during Lent?
The three pillars of Lent are almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-4), prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).

Are you allowed to eat meat on Fridays?
No, except on solemnities. Abstinence from meat is required on all Fridays to honor Our Lord’s Passion.

Why did Jesus go into the desert?
Jesus, the new Adam, remained faithful where the first Adam fell. He fulfilled Israel’s vocation perfectly, resisted Satan’s temptations, and showed obedience to God’s will. By Lent, the Church unites to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.

What were the three temptations of Jesus?

1. Turn stones into bread.

2. Throw Himself from the temple.

3. Worship Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world.
   Satan misused Scripture, but Jesus responded with proper Scripture.

How did Jesus overcome temptation?
Through prayer and fasting for 40 days. We, too, resist temptation better when we pray and fast.

Why is purple the liturgical color of Lent?
Purple signifies penance, sacrifice, and preparation. On the midpoint Sundays—Gaudete (Advent) and Laetare (Lent)—rose vestments symbolize joy as we anticipate Christmas or Easter.

What special prayers and practices are associated with Lent?
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross are popular devotions, reminding us of Christ’s Passion and death.

Why are Sundays not counted in Lent?
Sundays are “little Easters,” celebrating the Resurrection, while Fridays remain penitential in memory of Good Friday.

What is traditionally given up for Lent?
The best sacrifice is giving up sin. Lent encourages moral conversion, frequent Confession, more Mass and Holy Communion, Scripture reading, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Holy Rosary.

Let us join our hearts in this prayer:
“Dear Lord, during this Lenten season, help me to recognize my sins and turn my heart toward You in genuine repentance. Grant me the strength to make amends and grow in Your grace. Amen.”