Lent

Lent is a 40 day solemn religious observance in the Christian calendar. According to the Gospel, it commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent being tempted by Satan. Many Christians use this time as a reflection period to undergo more time for prayer and repentance. It is a time to draw nearer to Jesus.

Lent started on March 2, 2022, on Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, Lent is a period of spiritual discipline, which culminates in the big celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ known as Easter.

What is Lent?

The word Lent is derived from the Old English word Lencten, meaning springtide or spring season to mark the lengthening of days. Lent is a period of 40 days, starting on Ash Wednesday up until a week before Easter to commemorate when Jesus went into the Judaean desert after being baptised by John the Baptist. During this time, Jesus was faced by temptations from the devil and underwent a spiritual journey of self-discipline while fasting.

What are the rules of Lent?

Known as the Lenten sacrifice, the essence is to surrender certain chosen luxuries in imitation of Jesus’ sacrifice during his journey into the desert for 40 days. Many Christians use this time to prepare for Easter through prayer, repentance, almsgiving, simple living and self-denial.

Some people choose to fast during Lent, while others only fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter). There is no limit to what you can choose to give up but popular options include sugar - including chocolate - coffee, meat, alcohol, smoking, swearing and social media.

When Easter arrives, those who have observed Lent are then allowed to re-indulge in what they sacrificed. The point of it all is to sacrifice like Jesus sacrificed for us by allowing Himself to be crucified on the cross for our sins. GOD blesses us when we sacrifice the way Jesus did during Lent. If you decide to fast, please keep quiet about it, for your reward will surely come for your silence.

Here I am engaging in inspired living!

Blessings,

Rachel Mason