Lent is a period of preparation for the Easter celebration, which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. This liturgical season has been a part of the practice of Christians since the late second century. The length of this period varied early on but was proposed to be set at forty days at the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) More than just a time to give something up, Lent is a time to renew one’s attentiveness to life as a disciple of Jesus. Fasting seeks to strip away the distractions, almsgiving draws deeper attention to our relationship with our neighbors, and prayer looks toward deepening a relationship with Jesus. This renewal of life as a disciple of Jesus is meant to prepare Christians for the fullness of life that is promised by the resurrection. Lent this year begins on Wednesday, February 26 and lasts up to the Holy Triduum, which are the three days leading into Easter on Sunday, April 11.
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