- The Agony in the Garden - Jennifer Donahue
For Catholics, the Easter season is about much more than marshmallow chicks and jelly beans. It is about the solemnity of Christ's passion and the joy of His resurrection.
Catholicism dictates fasting, abstinence, penance, and corporal works for mercy during Lent, so that Catholics can rededicate themselves to the simpler things in life and thus grow closer to God.
The Main Tenets of Lent
AmercianCatholic.org lists the three pillars of Lenten observance as:
- Prayer - For those who do not pray regular, the Church encourages making the commitment to pray at least once a day during Lent (and hopefully beyond). For those who do pray regularly, many incorporate additional prayers during Lent. Some popular additions are praying additional decades of the Rosary, saying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and reciting the Litany of the Hours. Common Lenten prayer themes center around rebirth and baptism, renewal, rededication oneself to God and family, and returning to simplicity. There are many prayers specifically for Lent, even daily Lenten prayer and devotion guides to aid in meditation
- Fasting - AmericanCatholic.org describes the need for fasting during Lent well: "Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God." Fasting is as old as the Church itself, and gives Catholics the opportunity to take on ancient tradition in physical form. More information on fasting (and abstinence) is below
- Almsgiving - Although the corporal works of mercy are important throughout the year, they are particularly in Lent. Providing for those less fortunate is a lifelong mission of the Church, and Catholics are asked to focus on almsgiving during Lent - from giving donations to making food for MUST Ministries, all giving reiterates the love of Christ in all Christians
Days of Fasting and Abstaining from Meat During Lent
There are two official days of fasting during Lent: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On days of fasting, Catholics (between the ages of 18 and 59) should only eat one full meal.
In many Catholic families, this meal is dinner. Liquids are permitted throughout the day, but not snacks.
In addition to the two days of fasting, the Church calls for Catholics to abstain from eating meat on Fridays. In the time of Christ, meat was a luxury in which people seldom indulged. Honoring abstinence during Lent is one way Catholics remember the simple lives of the people in the early Church.
Forgoing Sin or Other Habits During Lent
Many people associate Lent with "giving up" a favorite food such as chocolate, beer, or soda. This is a good way for Christians of all denominations to deny themselves as Christ did (in a more modern sense, of course). It is a way for Christians to simplify and deny temptation. Other suggestions are giving up a sinful behavior, such as spending hours on the computer or in front of the TV. Alternatively, some Catholics start a new behavior, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or nursing home once a month.
All of these are ways to not only create healthier habits, but to bring Christian tenets into action.
How to Start Planning for Lent
Lent begins Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 17), so starting to plan now is a good way to guarantee a more fulfilling Lent and Easter for 2010. One important first step is understanding the liturgical calendar. The Lent liturgical calendar highlights the important dates throughout the season from Ash Wednesday to the Triduum, and ultimately, Easter.
Getting familiar with the important dates throughout Easter, as well as the devotions and actions the Church recommends, will help any Catholic grow in understanding.
2010 is a great year to further the celebration of Easter beyond just Easter Sunday and the holy days of obligation. Catholics who deepen their observance of Lent to every day will reap the benefits of meditation and peace.
Jennifer Donahue - Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer. In a past life, she was a manager with a large company. Now she devotes her time to ...
