Primarily, in the lives of millions of Christians worldwide, especially Catholics, the Lenten season is very important. In the forty days that precede Easter Sunday, Christians are encouraged to reflect, confess their sins, and reaffirm their faith as they remember the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. Scripturally, the core is its capacity to change our lives and strengthen our relationship with God. The significance of the Lenten season will be explained at the outset of this article, which will examine the substance of the season.
Lenten season is a solemn season in the Catholic Church; a 40-day period starting on Ash Wednesday and ending at dusk on Holy Thursday, marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Sundays are included). In order to commemorate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter, this is a time of devout preparation. The Lenten season has three major tenets, which are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We study Sacred Scripture in order to seek the Lord in prayer throughout Lent. We also freely serve the Lord by donating alms and fasting in order to develop self-control. In addition to giving up indulgences for Lent, we are urged to undergo a sincere inward transformation as we work to more closely adhere to Christ’s will. We think back to the baptismal waters, where we were likewise baptized into the death of Christ, where we passed away from sin and evil and were given new life in Christ.
To further buttress this, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium states that the season of Lent has a twofold character: primarily, it recalls or prepares for baptism, and secondarily, it stresses a penitential spirit.
While many people are aware of the custom of giving up meat on Fridays during Lent, we are also urged to exercise self-control and observe other forms of fasting at this time of year. Furthermore, sharing God’s gifts can be achieved through almsgiving, which involves offering not only financial contributions but also our time and skills. It is a reminder from St. John Chrysostom that denying the impoverished access to our possessions is tantamount to robbing them of their life. The things we own belong to others, not to us. (CCC. no. 2446).
Although the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE formalized this practice. It served as a time for applicants to be prepared for baptism as well as a period of penance for serious sinners who had been barred from Communion and were getting ready to be restored. They were showered with ashes and dressed in sackcloth as a token of penitence. In the ninth century, this type of public penance started to disappear. Ash Wednesday got its name because it became usual for all the faithful to receive ashes on their foreheads on the first day of Lent as a ‘memento mori’, reminding them of their own mortality and the need for penitence.
The essence of Lenten season
According to Pope Francis in his 2015 Lenten message, Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community, and for every believer. Above all, it is a ‘time of grace’. The essence of Lenten season is thus made lucid in the religious functions we are called to perform during this period.
1. Reflection: The Lenten season calls upon us to reflect upon our lives, actions, and relationship with God. It encourages us to examine our hearts and seek a deeper understanding of our faith. In the book of Psalms, it is written, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23). Lent provides a dedicated time for proper introspection, allowing us to identify areas in need of growth and change.
2. Repentance: Repentance is a vital aspect of the Lenten season, as it calls us to acknowledge our sins, seek forgiveness, and turn away from wrongdoing. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of repentance in Romans 2:4, stating, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Lent serves as a reminder of God’s abundant mercy and the opportunity for transformation through genuine repentance.
3. Renewal: The Lenten season presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can refocus our hearts and minds on God’s will for our lives. The prophet Isaiah speaks of renewal in Isaiah 40:31, saying, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Lent invites us to seek God’s strength and guidance, allowing Him to renew our Spirits and draw us closer to Him.
4. Sacrifice: The essence of Lent is further exemplified through the act of sacrifice. Just as Jesus sacrificed Himself for the redemption of humanity, we are called to make sacrifices during this season. Whether it be through fasting, giving up certain luxuries, or dedicating more time to prayer and service, these sacrifices remind us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Lent provides a structured framework for us to align our sacrifices with the spirit of selflessness and devotion.
In conclusion: The essence of the Lenten season lies in its ability to guide believers towards a deeper understanding of their faith and a closer relationship with God. Through reflection, repentance, renewal, and sacrifice, Lent offers a transformative journey towards spiritual growth. As we immerse ourselves in scripture and engage in the practices of the season, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice and the immense love God has for His people. Let us like our Blessed virgin Mary embrace the essence of Lent, ponder them in our hearts and allow it to inspire personal growth, foster spiritual renewal, and strengthen our connection with God.
