By leah jones
Mar. 5 was Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. This is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, Mass and penance observed by Catholics and many Christian denominations.
The purpose of Lent is to prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. This is done through spiritual practices like prayer, reading scripture, giving alms, fasting and engaging in abstinence from meat.
Fasting is an important part of Lent. It is said in the Bible that Jesus fasted for 40 days while in the desert to resist temptation and rely solely on God while he prepared for His ministry.
Fasting is meant to demonstrate commitment to Jesus by making the same sacrifice of food and other worldly things that He made. It is also a time to seek repentance and a stronger connection with Him.
Other key aspects of lent are abstinence from eating meat and the giving of alms. Meat is seen as a luxury and is sacrificed during certain parts of Lent as a form of penance.
There are key rules that apply to the season of Lent. Here are the main ones you need to know according to the Catholic Church Guidelines, as well as exceptions to its rules.
Catholics aged 18 to 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days, they can eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. There is no snacking between meals.
Catholics 14 and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent. However, fish is allowed.
Those who are physically or mentally sick, pregnant, nursing, not in the age range or of other circumstances are exempt from fasting rules. They are instead encouraged to sacrifice something else to observe penance.
Many people who observe Lent give up something else (like sweets, alcohol or social media) as an act of self-discipline and to limit distractions from Christ.
Sundays are not fasting days, so many people pause their Lenten sacrifices on Sundays. However, others continue their discipline straight through as Sundays still reflect the penitential spirit of Lent.
Lent fasting ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. However, other traditions end fasting on Holy Sunday. Lent rules can vary depending on different faith denominations and practices.