Lent, Fasting & Abstinence

Lent

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, the official ‘kick-off’ of the Lent and Easter cycle.  An ancient penitential practice of the Hebrew people is renewed by the placing of ashes on the forehead of parishioners.  We are reminded that, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  (Genesis 3:19)

Our Lenten journey of fasting and abstinence lasts for forty days, yet if one counts the number of days; we realize that there are more than forty from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday on April 4.  This is because Sundays are considered weekly memorials of Jesus’ resurrection, and therefore are not a day on which to fast.  The 40 days of Lent continue until Holy Thursday afternoon, when we begin the great Triduum.

What do Fasting and Abstinence mean?

All those between the ages of 14 and 60 are to fast, cut down on the quality and richness of food and drink.  This means that one main meal may be eaten each day, as well as two other meals which are not equal to the main meal.  Abstinence is a form of penance in which we give up meat or other desirable food on one or two days a week during Lent, especially on Friday.  As faithful stewards, the money we save on food could be given to others in need.

Fasting can also be fulfilled by refraining from activities that distract us from our relationship with God and replacing them with acts of service, prayer, spiritual reading, etc.