Lent is a period of forty days of preparation to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. Fasting, abstinence, and alms giving, are the main tenets. Following the example of Jesus in the desert., giving up luxuries, practicing self discipline, and spending more time in prayer provide for a closer relationship with God.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the faithful fast having only one meal in the evening and abstain from meat. The other Fridays in Lent the faithful abstain from meat. Sundays are not included in Lenten fasts because they are celebrations in reminiscence of Easter. Giving alms or performing works of mercy can be both corporal or spiritual. We are always called to help our neighbor but during Lent, we are called to do more than what we usually do.
The final week of Lent begins with Palm Sunday. This day celebrates the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem and the people lay palms down before him. Lent ends on Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday with the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s supper.
I no longer celebrate Fasnacht Tuesday, I do look forward to the renewal of my faith that Lent brings about and for becoming closer to the Lord and then when I renew my Baptismal vows on Easter Sunday I am more vested in my resolve in keeping them.
Cookies & Moo 