Lent and Good Friday

[anu]

HI

Can anyone please solve my confusion in understanding 40 days and Good Friday.

The Lent period which goes for 40 days is assumed as the sufferings which our Lord, Jesus went through and he fasted for these 40 days during which he was tempted by Satan 3 times. And we fast for 40 days and then on the 40th day we celebrate Good Friday. But as far as what i understand after 40 days of suffering Jesus started performing miracles and then after some days he was crucified. If thats the case, why do we do 40 days before Good Friday. AmI understanding it right. Hope my question makes it clear.

Thank you
Anu

 

[thomasf]

Good Friday is included in the 40 days of lent. It isn’t celebrated after, but as part of, Lent.

There is actually 46 days from Ash Weds until the day before Easter. But you subtract the 6 sundays in lent that aren’t counted as part of lent. That makes the whole 40 days, from Ash Weds through the day of the Easter Vigil. Including Good Friday.

 

[anu]

ok, are these 40 days what Jesus spent in his fasting when satan tempted him 3 times?

 

[thomasf]

Yes, it’s supposed to represent the 40 days Jesus spent in the dessert fasting. It is meant as a time of repentance for all catholics, to get closer to God, turn away from sin, and give up those things that get in the way of us getting closer to God. It is a preparation time before the celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death when He rises on Easter.