BLOG POST | Hey Deacon!

Many Christian denominations observe a 40-day period of fasting and prayer called Lent. This is in preparation for our celebration of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

The word itself, “Lent”, has Germanic roots referring to the “lengthening” of days, or springtime. But facts about the early origin of this religious observance are not as well known.

Early Christians (Catholics) felt the importance of Easter called for special preparations. The first mention of a 40-day period of fasting in preparation for Easter is found in the Canons of Nicaea (AD 325). It is thought that the tradition may have grown from the early church practice of baptismal candidates undergoing a 40-day period of fasting in preparation for their baptism at Easter. Eventually, the season evolved into a period of spiritual devotion for the whole church. During the early centuries, the Lenten fast was very strict but has been relaxed over time.

The practice of fasting from food for spiritual reasons is found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In all three, refraining from eating is intimately connected with an additional focus on prayer and the practice of assisting the poor by giving alms or donating food.

As Christianity spread through Western Europe from the 5th through 12th centuries, the observance of Lent did as well. A few Lenten days were “black,” or total fast days. But daily fasting was gradually moderated and by the end of the Middle Ages, a meal was often permitted at noon.

Today, Catholics approach Lent as a season of conversion. We acknowledge the ways we have turned away from God and focus on turning our hearts and minds back to Him. Hence the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These observances help us turn away from whatever has distracted or derailed us and to turn back to God.

We are encouraged to engage in the practice of “giving up something” during Lent, the ultimate form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence and offer that sacrifice up to God. Or we might “give up” a bad habit such as too much social media or television as a way of positively turning our life back toward what God wants for us.

Though some practices may have changed over time, Lent in the 21st century remains essentially the same as in centuries past: a time of quiet reflection and spiritual discipline.


Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn