1. What Does Lent Represent?
Lent literally means spring, it represents the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert enduring Satan's temptations and working towards his ministry.
2. How Long Does Lent Last?
Lent lasts forty days, not including Sunday because Sundays are seen as mini-Easters. If we include Sundays, it's forty-six days. They're days that are used as anticipation for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It starts on Ash Wednesday, March 6th this year, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 21st.
3. What's Supposed To Happen During Lent?
It's a time to reflect and focus on Jesus. Lent allows us to prepare our mind and souls for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
4. What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday, some may know it more commonly as Fat Tuesday. However it is the last day before Lent, and it's used as a day where Christians think about things they need to change in their life, be it grow more in their faith or something that will aid in their success. People also eat lots since they must fast on Ash Wednesday.
5. What is Ash Wednesday?
First off, the ashes you see are ashes from the palm branches from the previous years' Palm Sunday. The ashes on one's forehead represent the beginning of a person's lent fast. "Remember you are dust, and to dust, you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)
6. What Is Holy Week?
Holy Week begins on the last Sunday of Lent prior to Easter. Holy Wednesday is observed as the day Judas Iscariot intended to betray Jesus. Maundy Thursday, like many know, symbolizes the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples where he speaks of his betrayal that will happen. Good Friday is used as the day to remember Jesus' crucifixion and burial. This leads to Easter Sunday which many wait in Anticipation to have Jesus rise from the tomb.
7. What Does Holy Week Represent?
This Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday is the remembrance of Jesus' arriving at Jerusalem. This is where Palm branches are used to make crosses. These symbolize the palm branches that were laid at Jesus' feet as he arrived into the city.
8. What Days Are The Fast?
It honestly depends on the Catholic. Some Catholics fast Ash Wednesday and Friday. Others just abstain from meat on Fridays, except for Fish. Orthodox Christians will fast from fish, eggs, meat, and dairy products, olive oil, and alcohol every Wednesday and Friday. So fasting ultimately depends on every individual person.
9. Why Is There A Need to Fast?
Jesus told his disciples there was a need to fast and gave them instructions on how to fast. As a result, Catholics follow this practice.
10. Do You Have to Be Catholic to Participate in Lent Activities?
Not at all. This is a time for you to grow closer to God. Nobody can stand in the way of the way you choose to grow stronger in your faith. It's a learning experience and if you choose to continue participating then good for you!
