Lent is an annual 40-day event commemorated by the Christian community from the different parts of the world. This is a time of preparation for the Easter. It is the fresh start that leads Christians to a journey to Easter, which is the time when Jesus was resurrected. This season essentially tells us to reflect and change. Christians are requested to genuinely and sincerely return to God, to decline to be satisfied for mediocrity, and to develop in friendship with God.
There are many ways to deepen our spirituality during this holy season. Fasting, the act of consuming lesser food is the most common activity observed by Christians. Abstaining from eating meat and giving material things to the less fortunate are also among the events done by the members of the Christian community. Since this is also time for reflection, reading Christian books is also a great way to look back on your ways and strengthen your faith in Him. Come Climb Towards God: Are You Hungry for God? is a powerful guidebook by Albritton that is really ideal to read this season.
Apart from the activities mentioned above, there also many practices that you should observe on this penitential season. Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary every day, doing acts of charity, spiritual reading, etc. are some of the best practices done in this 40-day. Many churches also offer special confession sessions to give opportunities for others to complete their penitential practices. Everyone is also encouraged mass on Sundays and special days of Lent. But if you still have little knowledge about the significant days of this holy season, then here is what you should know.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and the period of penance. It is a sacred reminder of the essence of reconciliation with the Lord. The ashes and fasting are two of the typical practices during this event. The ashes that came from the burnt palms utilized from the last Palm Sunday are given to Christians who attended the Ash Wednesday mass through drawing the shape of a cross on their foreheads.
Fridays of the Season
The Fridays of the season are not the usual normal Fridays where everyone looks forward for the weekend. During the Fridays, Christians, especially those who are 14 years old and above, are obligated to abstain from consuming meat to pay respect and observe the days of penance.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the indication that the the Holy Triduum starts in the evening through the celebration at the Last Supper of the Institution of the Eucharist. During the Last Supper, Christ shows the model for the Holy Communion. Jesus starts to foresee the happenings that would instantly take place, such the Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, His death, and His resurrection.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the day where Christians honor Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. During the early period of Christianity, this particular Friday is deemed to be the day of sorrow, abstinence, fasting, and penance. It is considered as a vital day of the year, which the Christian community remembers the moment when Jesus had suffered and was crucified in order to save everyone from sin. 1 Peter 2:24 is one of the many bible verses that tackles the event that happened on Good Friday, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Holy Saturday
The day following Good Friday and preceding Easter is called Holy Saturday. This is the last day of fasting. Moreover, Jesus is in the tomb facing and conquering death. Christians often conduct a vigil to wait for Jesus’s resurrection. Protestant churches consider this day as the event of contemplation; thus, no special activities are conducted.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Christ. The Christian family celebrates His return and His triumph over death. During this day, we also honor the hope of salvation. Christian custom holds that it is Jesus who saved humankind from sins and His return from the dead symbolizes the anticipation that the followers can possess in their own resurrection.
The Damsel’s Files 