I've noticed that a lot of national newspapers tend to write articles about Lent this time of year. They either tend to focus on the insanity of Mardi Gras, or the aspect of depriving oneself of something pleasurable for 40 days. None of them really seems to actually have a clue about why we do this... Many Christians now participate in Lenten practices - it's no longer a solely Catholic "thing". You know it's getting to be a fairly widespread phenomenon when McDonald's and Taco Bell start advertising their Lenten fast food choices!

 

Fasting for 40 days, of course, is a discipline that is in memory and honor of Jesus' 40 day fast in the desert (Matthew 4:2). It is also in memory of Moses' 40 days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28), Elijah's 40 day fast on his journey to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8), and the 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert.

 

Ash Wednesday officially begins the 40-day season of Lent. This tradition dates back to the 7th century. Ashes from burned palm leaves, which are saved from the previous years Palm Sunday celebration are placed on the forehead of the penitent. This custom of placing ashes on the heads of people is an ancient practice and can be found mentioned in the Old Testament. It is a sign of sorrow, of penitence and mourning. As early as the 300's AD it was adopted by local churches. After a laying on of hands and the imposition of ashes on their heads, they were reminded, as we still are today: "Remember, you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19) By the 11th century traditions of Ash Wednesday were adopted by all adult members of the parish and were similar to those performed today.  

Fasting and Abstinence are still the traditional hallmarks of modern Lenten tradition. They are often linked together, but are two different disciplines. Fasting has to do with the quantity of food eaten on specific days. Usually little or none, or perhaps none before sundown, etc. Abstinence refers to denial to oneself of particular kinds of food or activities, for example meat, or sweets, or abstaining from games, Internet, television, etc. Denying oneself in either of these fashions has been a popular act of faith and devotion since ancient times and is mentioned frequently in Scripture.

 

Fasting and abstinence can be done for different reasons. It can prepare one for a feast. It promotes self-discipline. It supports one's prayers. It cleanses oneself of previous abuses and sin. All of these have been traditional reasons people have used these traditions during Lent.

 

Another way of looking at the practices of Lent more recently is to also add holy activities and devotions to one's life - such as making time for a daily rosary, going to Mass daily, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, reading Holy Scripture or devotional books. All of these activates can help make Lent a time not just of deprivation, but of true, holy, preparation for the Easter season.