The season of
Lent leads up to the most holy of Christian days, Easter Sunday. The forty days
of Lent begin Ash Wednesday and end at dusk the Saturday before Easter, not
counting the Sundays in between. The Sundays during Lent, like every Sunday,
are considered weekly celebrations of the resurrection. It is a wonderful time to
renew and strengthen our faith during Lent through Bible-Study, prayer, and
reflecting on what Christ went through for us.
The idea of giving
something up for Lent came out of this tradition, when fasting—abstaining from
food as an act of discipline in solidarity with others in the community—was
used to raise one’s spiritual consciousness and empty oneself before God.
Fasting or giving up something for Lent can be a good way to explore a deeper
expression of faith. We may find it meaningful to give something up for Lent,
but it is not required. Some may find it more valuable to take something on
during Lent—a more Christ-like attitude toward others, a humble spirit at work,
or a feeling of gratitude in the midst of scarcity. Whatever spiritual
disciplines and preparations are embraced during Lent, they can help us prepare
for the resurrection celebration at Easter.
excerpt from Lent 101 - Presbyterian Mission
