Why Lent season

The Roman Catholic Church takes pride in lent as the time they pause for spiritual reflection avoiding some foods like meat and other habitual foods.

In the earliest centuries of Christianity, believers wanted to prepare their hearts for Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. At first, this preparation lasted only a few days of fasting and prayer. Christians would reflect deeply on Christ’s suffering and resurrection, longing to renew their faith.

By the 4th century, this period was extended to forty days. The number forty was meaningful—it reflected the forty days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before beginning His public ministry. During this time, Christians tried to imitate Him through prayer, sacrifice, and self-discipline.

Lent also became especially important for those preparing to be baptized. In the early Church, many baptisms took place at Easter. So Lent was a time of learning, reflection, and spiritual preparation for new believers entering the Church. Over time, the season was embraced by the entire Catholic Church, not just catechumens.

In the past, Lenten fasting was very strict. People often ate only one simple meal a day and avoided meat and other rich foods. While the rules have softened over the centuries, the heart of Lent has remained the same.

Today, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts forty days (excluding Sundays). It is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a time to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to God. More than just a tradition, Lent is an invitation: to renew one’s faith, to let go of distractions, and to prepare joyfully for Easter.Contact me on 0759637581 for the next episode