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Lent is the 40-day liturgical season in the Christian calendar devoted to repentance, spiritual discipline, and preparation for Resurrection Sunday.  It mirrors Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and functions as a season of consecration, self-examination, and renewal.

It's called Lent season because the word “Lent” comes from an old English term that described springtime and lengthening days. 

The Old English “lencten” meaning spring season.  Related to the word “lengthen” referring to longer daylight hours as winter ends.  So, originally, “Lent” wasn’t a religious word.  The Church adopted it to describe the spiritual season leading up to Easter (Resurrection Sunday).

Duration:

  • Forty (40) days (excluding Sundays)
  • Begins: Ash Wednesday
  • Ends: Holy Saturday (day before Resurrection Sunday)

Biblical framework:

  • Matthew 4:1-11
  • Joel 2:12-13
  • Isaiah 58
  • Matthew 6:1-18

Purpose of Lent

  1. Repentance-Turning from sin to God; Psalm 51 & Joel 2:12;
  2. Spiritual Re-alignment-Renewing priorities, desires, and devotion; Romans 12:1-2;
  3. Preparation for Resurrection-Moving from death to life; From sacrifice to victory; From cross to resurrection; and,
  4. Participation in Christ’s suffering-Philippians 3:10 & 1 Peter 4:13.

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