Heading into spring, people of all faiths begin to think about warm weather and summer activities. The major holiday during this time is Easter Sunday. Prior to that day of celebration is the period of Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday to Maudry Thursday. Part of being a successful interfaith minister is understanding the different customs and practices associated with Lent.
It Starts with Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras refers to the days prior to the fasting and other sacrifices associated with Lent. It starts around the Christian feast day known as Epiphany and continues to the first day of the Lenten season, Ash Wednesday. The idea is to fatten up before going without in preparation for Easter. The focus of all denominations including the Universal Life Church is to eat richer foods to make the fasting of Lent more bearable.
Mardi Gras is about more than just food, however. The carnivals include parades, costumes, dancing and socialization. It is a time of over indulgence.
The History of Lent
Studying the history behind Lent is a critical step to become ordained as an interfaith minister. The season covers the 40 days prior to Easter and goes back as far as the Disciples of Christ. Lent is traditionally a time of sorrow in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection. One of the first historical mentions of the season was in a letter from St. Irenaeus to Pope St. Victor I. The standardization of the Lenten traditions came in 313 A.D. with the legalization of Christianity.
The Traditions of Lent
As a minister from the Universal Life Church learns to become ordained, Lent is a season of penance – just the opposite of Mardi Gras celebration, which is associated with greed and excess. The basis of the Lenten season focuses on three practices:
Prayer – justice towards God
Fasting – justice towards self
Almsgiving – justice towards neighbors – almsgiving means giving material goods away
Modern day Lent is not quite as severe as it was in the early days of the church. Today’s Christian should abstain from all alcohol and stop smoking. They will vow to give up an enjoyed practice or food like chocolate during the season. On Fridays, most observers will abstain from eating meat, but do eat fish. During the days approaching Easter, some may fast or eat just one meal each day. Religions that are more traditional mark the end of the season with leaders that disappear on Ash Wednesday and stay away until the Easter Vigil, or service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Morning and evening prayers are encouraged during the Lenten season. Those who regularly pray during these times may add a noon prayer, as well. The penance includes an act of giving to someone else such as doing charity work regularly during this season.
Lent is a process of giving up and giving to others in sorrowful reflection for the death of Jesus. It leads to a day of celebration when he returns through resurrection.