Lent 2015

What is Lent?  Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. The day before Lent starts is known as Shrove Tuesday.  Lent is the time when Christians prepare for the greatest of the Christian festivals known as Easter, by thinking of things they have done wrong.

Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday is the day when we eat pancakes. This is the last day before the Christian time of Lent. In olden days Christians did not eat many foods such as milk, eggs and fats during Lent. They did not waste food so before Lent began, they had a feast using all the food that would go bad before they could eat it again. Pancakes were a dish that used up the foods by adding some flour.

What is Lent?  Lent lasts for 40 days.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday- 18 th February  At this time, our days get longer and it is the start of Spring Time.

Why does Lent last for 40 days?  Lent is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food being tempted by the Devil. Jesus used this time to prepare for His work by fasting and praying.  Luke's Gospel says: ‘Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.'  So, as in the Bible, Christians spend forty days in preparing themselves to rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.

When does Lent end?  Lent ends at Easter when Christians remember the execution of Jesus and then celebrate his rising from death.  The last week of Lent begins with Palm Sunday, which celebrates the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and the people lay down palms at his feet. The last day of Lent is Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday (Easter Day).

What happens during Lent today?  The Christian church no longer imposes a strict fast. Lent is a time when some Christians try to overcome their own faults because they believe that it was man's sin which led Jesus to be crucified.  Some Christians try to follow the example of Jesus in the desert by giving up luxuries and practising self-discipline. And they try to put aside more time to prayer and religious acts so that they can really let God into their lives.

What can I do this Lent?  Fast: give up certain luxury items such as chocolate, sweets, crisps etc.  Pray: set aside time each day to pray and become more aware of the presence of God in your life.  Do good works: do something positive and creative to help other people e.g. do the Trocaire Lenten fast to raise funds for overseas development projects or visit an elderly neighbour and help them with their housework.