Questions & Answers about Lent
Catholics all over the world are getting ready to prepare for Lent. However, questions often arise that might confuse us. Here are some answers to questions you may have asked.
What is Ash Wednesday and why do we put ashes on our heads? Ash Wednesday is the official start of Lent season. It is customary to fast on this day and abstain from all flesh meat. We use the sacramental of ashes as symbolism of penance. This is a time to reflect on our sinful nature. The ashes that are used are from the burnt palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday that have been blessed.
What is Lent? Lent was originally instituted by Pope St Gregory the Great, in the year 590. It is the 40-day period before Easter (excluding Sundays) that we observe for preparation for the Paschal Triduum, (which means the three days of Passover). We spend this period in prayer and fasting to recognize our sinful conditions. It is a reflection to the mystery of Jesus spending 40 days in the dessert without eating and being tempted by Satan. It is a time of prayer and self-sacrifice. The period of 40 days is recognized as the biblical number for a period of cleansing. This is a good time for Catholics to make confessions and to give alms. Remember it is better to ADD prayer and good deeds to our lives instead of giving up something such as candy.
What is Palm Sunday and what do palm branches signify? Palm Sunday is the 6th and last Sunday of Lent. It is the start of Holy week. Palm branches have been recognized by all nations throughout history as emblems of victory over enemies. Christians use them as symbols of victory over the flesh. When Jesus rode humbly into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, men women and children lined the road with palm branches and waved them shouting “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
What is Good Friday? Good Friday is the day that the church recognizes as the anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ being sacrificed at Calvary for the salvation of our sins. We fast and abstain from flesh meat on this day as well.
What is Holy Saturday? Holy Saturday is the vigil of Easter Sunday. It is a day of joy as well as sadness. It is the close of Lent season and penance and the beginning of rejoicing.
What is Easter? Easter is the principal feast day of the ecclesiastical year. We celebrate the day as the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated only in preparation for this glorious day. Remember, on Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as a man. On Easter, we celebrate his resurrection and divinity.
Why do we fast? Fasting is required by all baptized Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 who are in good health and able to do so. We are obligated to fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is our sacrifice to God for repentance for our sins and a small reminder of the sacrifice that our Lord gave to us. . How do we fast? You fast by only eating one normal meal (not a seven-course feast!) per day. You may eat two light snacks at different times of the day depending on the individual to maintain strength. You cannot eat between meals except for liquids. This should be done without any outward sign of grievance or sorrow. Prayer should be used as your “supplement”.
What does it mean when we are asked to “abstain?” During Lent to abstain means not to eat any flesh meat. We abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well as ALL Fridays of Lent. Meatloaf, hamburgers, pot roast, chicken, pork chops, lamb, etc. are all flesh meat. You may however eat fish on these days. This is to be observed by all who are 14 years of age and older.