What is Lent?

     Whenever I tell somebody that I am fasting for Lent, I primarily get one of two responses. The first is people think of the weird fuzzy ball you find on your clothing. The second is they think Lent is practiced in Catholicism. To the former I can say that pretty much the only thing Lent has in common with lint is that they are both old. To the latter I can say that while Lent is practiced primarily in Catholicism, different denominations of Christianity still partake in it. For example, I am a Non-denominational Christian, and my church keeps Lent as an annual practice. However, while the premise of Lent is the same for all observers, different denominations may have different ways of practicing.

     Lent is a forty-day fast done in remembrance of Jesus fasting forty days in the wilderness. It is a time of self-reflection, confession, and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (this year, that was February 18), and ends on Holy Thursday (this year, April 2). Different denominations may have different traditions and practices or put a higher emphasis on specific details. Most Catholics consider Lent a very “concrete part” of their religion (2026, Froment). They celebrate by receiving ash on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. The ash has many meanings, such as a remembrance of mortality, repentance of sins, and humble commitment to spiritual renewal–many also refrain from meat on Fridays. Jesus died on Friday, so fasting is a way of honoring his sacrifice on the cross for humanity, along with a focus on prayer and almsgiving (donations and charity). Meanwhile, Non-denominational Christians still observe Ash Wednesday and Good Friday prayer. Their traditions may not be as strict, though they are still encouraged. Many Lent participants fast throughout all forty days by giving up something they care about or enjoy. I know that sounds bad but it is actually a very freeing experience. Some examples of fasting include giving up social media, sugar, television, etc. From personal experience, I would say the fasting experience is helpful because it requires you to be dependent on God’s strength to turn away from temptation, and it gives you a lease through which to see Him move in your life. 

     Lent is a time-honored tradition observed by millions of people around the world, a tradition that requires sacrifice, devotion, and time. Most observers consider it a transformative experience that is worth the effort and sacrifice. For me and countless others who observe, it is worth every second. 

FUN FACT: Some churches reuse the palm branches used on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to make their ashes for Ash Wednesday!