The Season of Lent

Whether you’re going for some spiritual retreat or just a respite, it’s important to know the things you need to prepare during Lent.  

It’s not even about partying or public intoxication like what most people practice. Having to sit down and de-clutter from all the toiling we do to make a living may be a distant idea for you but spare some time to recharge your weary souls.

The season of lent marks the 40 day period leading up to Easter. For most Christians, it’s a preparation of their soul and spirit by commemorating Christ’s death and resurrection to the Cross with fasting and self-denial. This period begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts just over six weeks – not including Sundays.

In the past, the 40 days of Lent was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up food. Though, it may still involve abstaining from foods or activities that are in way considered lavish but Christians give high priority on prayers, confessions of sin and committing to live a godly life.

Important Days of Lent

Christians honour the death and resurrection of Christ with 40 days of lent because it was the length of the days when Jesus fasted in the desert without food and was tempted by the devil. In similar way, Christians spend forty days in preparing themselves before the rejoicing at the resurrection of Jesus happens in Easter morn.

Shrove Tuesday

The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day. Traditionally, this is the last day to “fat eating”  and “gorging” before engaging in abstinence during Lent. Some people often give up chocolate, meat, bread or alcohol.

Ash Wednesday

This marks the first day of Lent. Most Catholics attend church on this day to reflect and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings and commit to live a righteous life with God. During the service, a priest marks a cross of ashes on the forehead which symbolizes grief for sins.

Palm Sunday

It falls on a Sunday before Easter. It commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem while the people welcome him by laying down their palms at his feet.

Maundy Thursday

A term used in remembering Jesus’ Passover meal with his disciples. During this time, the Master took the role of a lowly servant and washed their feet and on the same time he also instituted the Last Supper before his betrayal.

Some churches do reenactment of Christ’ servanthood by doing foot washing in their service.

Good Friday

What’s so good about Friday? Well, nothing is so good than having a loving Saviour crucified and died in our Cross, breaking the dominion of sin in our lives. But his plan of salvation was made complete when he resurrected from death to life on the third day which is Easter.

Not sure what to give up for Lent?

Take some time to reflect and discover the things that you may forego for this season. Try to engage for some soul-searching before the busy days cloud your focus.

Here are some of the things people decide to give up for Lent:

• Television or favourite show or channel
• Internet or Social Media
• Coffee or alcohol
• Desserts or sugar
• Shopping
• Credit cards
• Bars and night clubs
• Video games
• Clutter

What’s the one thing that you’ll give up in this season of lent?

Share them with us.