This week marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent—a 40-day season observed by Christians leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent is a period of prayer, fasting, and giving, preparing believers for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
What is Lent? Lent is a season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) where Christians focus on spiritual disciplines to prepare for Easter. The 40-day period mirrors the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before embarking on his public ministry.
Why 40 Days? The 40 days of Lent symbolize the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and resisting temptation. This period of reflection is also meant to encourage Christians to turn away from sinful habits and grow closer to God.
Ash Wednesday: The Start of Lent Ash Wednesday, falling on March 5 this year, marks the official beginning of Lent. During services, clergy apply ashes in the shape of a cross on worshipers’ foreheads. The ashes symbolize mortality and repentance, reminding participants that “you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
Where Do the Ashes Come From? The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from the palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday. These palms are burned, then ground into a fine powder, and in many places, mixed with holy water or oil to form a paste. The ashes are then placed on the foreheads of believers as a sign of humility and repentance.
Why Fasting and Abstinence? Fasting during Lent is a way for Christians to emulate Jesus’ fast in the desert. It serves as an act of penance—expressing sorrow for sin, turning away from harmful behaviors, and focusing on prayer and spiritual growth. On Fridays during Lent, worshipers also abstain from eating meat, honoring Jesus’ sacrifice on Good Friday. Fish is not considered “flesh” meat, so it is typically allowed.
Pope Francis’ Health During Lent This year’s Ash Wednesday coincides with Pope Francis’ ongoing hospitalization. The Pope remains in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being admitted for a respiratory illness. Doctors performed procedures on him due to two incidents of “acute respiratory insufficiency,” as reported by the Vatican.
As Christians across the globe enter the season of Lent, it is a time of reflection, sacrifice, and preparation for Easter’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection.