40 Days of Lent

We all hear about the 40 days of Lent but actually from Ash Wednesday this year to Easter Sunday it is 47 days. So where does 40 come from?

First, Sunday's during Lent are not recognized as a time for mourning since it is the day of the Resurrection and calls for celebrating.  Friday being the day of Jesus' death on the Cross is the day for penance and mourning all year, and even more so during Lent.

Lent ends on Holy Saturday Easter Vigil. (Holy week starts with Palm Sunday and the Holy Triduum starts on Holy Thursday.) Without counting the Sunday's and Holy Saturday we have our 40 days this year.

There are many references to the number 40 in the Bible. Moses stayed on the Mountain of God for 40 days and the Hebrew's wandered the desert for 40 years. The spies were in the land for 40 days (Numbers 13:25). Elijah traveled forty days before he reached the cave where he had the vision. Nineveh had 40 days to repent.

The most important 40 is the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the wilderness. We are called to imitate Jesus' 40 days of prayer and fasting during Lent.

"'For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sinning' [Heb 4:15]. By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert." (CCC 540).

Lenten Regulations and Unregulated Practices

Lenten Regulations

The following Lenten Regulations will serve as a guide in the observance of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

“Christian faithful are to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of piety and charity. All Fridays through the year, and especially during Lent, are penitential days”.

Abstinence: All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent. 

Fasting: All those who are 18 or older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Only one full meal is allowed on days of fast. Tow other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s need: but, together, they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be affected seriously. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest or confessor.

Unregulated Lenten practices:

The regulated Lenten practices are for all Catholics. Below are ways to pull it all together during Lent for each person individually to decide.

Fasting and Abstinence: Not just from meals and meat.  Fasting and abstinence can be from other things too. Suggest ways that children and youth can fast and abstain such as from a favorite TV show or not play a favorite video game.  Maybe suggest "giving up" candy and/or soda pop during Lent for what Jesus "gave up" for us.  

Almsgiving: Together with prayer, fasting and abstinence - almsgiving is a way to give back for what has been given to us.  For children and youth it doesn't have to be monetary. Suggest ways that they can "give back" with what they do. Let them know that doing things are a way of giving too.  Pick up a Rice Bowl from Catholic Relief Services and have them put money they would have spent on candy, pop or a new video game in the Rice Bowl to donate at the end of Lent.

Prayer: Fasting, abstinence and almsgiving without prayer are just actions.  Plan times for prayer with children and youth during Lent.  Maybe start with The Stations of the Cross (also called The Way of the Cross). If you have never "walked" the Stations of the Cross, it is a good time to start as a family or project.  You can do this at home or go to your church and walk them in private or at the scheduled times. 

Links to Stations of the Cross:

 Stations of the Cross  from Catholic Online

Stations of the Cross from Online Ministries

Stations of the Cross and 7 Last Words from Patheos

The Stations of the Cross to meditate on with the Divine Mercy
(has scenes from The Passion of the Christ - may not be appropriate for children)

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Suggested reading during Lent - a Lenten Retreat. Our parish is using Consoling the Heart of Jesus - a do it yourself retreat, inspired by the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.


  

Links to Frequently Asked Questions About Lent

Why ashes on Ash Wednesday? What are the official rules for fasting and abstinence? Why do we give things up for Lent? What are the Scrutinies? Should I go to Confession during Lent? Why Palms on Palm Sunday? Why Stations of the Cross? What is the connection with Lent and Baptism? When does Lent end? What is the Triduum? Why are Friday's meatless during Lent? Are Sunday's part of Lent? What does the word "Lent" mean? How is the Sunday Easter falls on determined?