Once you have read through it all … maybe you want to start thinking about what you want to fast from during the next 40 (46) days of Lent 2021.

What does Lent mean?

Lent is a period of 40 days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’.

Is Lent mentioned in the Bible?

Lent in the New Testament

Today, Lent is connected with the 40-day fast that Jesus undergoes (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). Mark tells us that Jesus was tempted by Satan, but it is in Matthew and Luke that the details of the temptation are fleshed out.

And now – Why is Lent 40 days?

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.

In 2021, the first full Moon after March 21 takes place on March 28, which means Easter falls on the following Sunday, April 4. Subtract 46 days from that and you get the first day of Lent, February 17.

Can I cheat on Sundays during Lent?

The Church does not officially promote the concept of ‘cheat days’ during Lent. However, Lent is traditionally considered 40 days long, even though the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter is actually 46 days. Therefore, when you deduct the 6 Sundays, it leaves you with 40 days … So on Sundays, even during Lent, feel free to cut loose and indulge a little bit.

What are the most popular things to give up during Lent?

If you’re participating but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some ideas to get you started.

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Meat
• Smoking or Drinking
• Social Media
• Sleeping In
• Speaking Poorly About Others (Including Yourself)

Is it a sin to break your Lent promise?

The fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the abstinence from meat on those days and on Fridays during Lent, are Precepts of the Church, and should be confessed even if broken accidentally. However, they’re not mortal sins unless they’re done wilfully.

What are the rules for Lent?

A summary of current practice:

On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent: Everyone of age 14 and up must abstain from consuming meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone of age 18 to 59 must fast, unless exempt due to usually a medical reason.

During these days, it is not acceptable to eat lamb, chicken, beef, pork, ham, deer and most other meats. Mammals and fowls is totally out.

You may eat the following during Lent: Fish; eggs; milk products like milk, butter, yogurt or cottage cheese; any fruits you like; any vegetables you like; any grains you like (such as noodles, breads, donuts, etc).

What will I do for Lent 2021?

Normally I fast from Social Media or try to, at least. I haven’t decided yet what my sacrifice will be this year, but please remember … you can’t fast from something that you are not doing or having seldom. For example: you can’t fast from chocolate if you only have it once a week. It has to be something that forms part of your everyday life; like that whiskey every night after dinner, or swearing (like me) when you get cross, or that 8 – 10 cups of coffee (like me) you are having every day, or Social Media that easily adds up to a few hours a day … hours that you can spend with Father. (It seems I have quite a lot to choose from … )

Make your choice TODAY and pray that Father will help you get through this for Lent 2021. And if you couldn’t make it through a day. Start again tomorrow. Everyday that you abstain, is a day you won!

Happy Lent 2021!

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