Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence for Catholics. At Mass on Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes replicates an ancient penitential practice and symbolizes our dependence upon God’s mercy and forgiveness.
During Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics.
The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.
The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall those waters in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
At this site, you will find a variety of suggestions and resources to support your Lenten practice, enhance your prayer, and embrace your baptismal commitment.
usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/lent/
Right back at ya babe! I love Lent. Last year I read Meditations for Lent by Saint Thomas Aquinas and just loved it. I will most likely read it again, plus Benedictus by Pope Benedict XVI. Very eager to get started. I’m like a horse chomping at the bit…we’re at the starting gate:egyptian::whackadoo::choocho:
That’s a good question GangGreen. Advent isn’t as rigorous as Lent. It has a quality of expectant waiting and, sadly, often gets ignored as our modern society thinks Christmas should begin before Thanksgiving. Lent is more somber. It is sometimes referred to as “The Bright Sadness” because, as we ponder our sinfulness and make atonement, we are journeying toward the Resurrected Jesus.