LENT (Part 1): A Slight Misnomer

The English word “Lent” leaves much to be desired. Apparently it comes from the Middle English word lenten meaning “spring season.” In Latin, however, the word for Lent is Quadragesima meaning “fortieth,” which seems much more suitable for this season. In Christianity, 40 days and 40 nights evoke the time Jesus spent in the desert before his public ministry. In fact, throughout the Bible, the number 40 has extreme importance, particularly in relation to fasting and repentance:

• The Great Flood lasted 40 days and nights (Gn 7:4-12).

• Moses spent 40 days and nights fasting in preparation for the Ten Commandments (Ex 24:18) and receiving them (Ex 34:28).

• Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years (Num 14:30).

• Elijah walked 40 days and nights to reach Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).

• The Ninevites had 40 days to decide whether to convert or be destroyed (Jonah 3:4). 

During each of these periods, the Biblical figures prepared themselves for a great event, particularly divine revelation.

How does this connect to the Lenten 40 days? Well, Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) occurs 40 days before Easter. Since the early days of the Church, baptisms commonly occurred on Easter. Thus Lent was originally a time for the baptism candidates to prepare themselves for Christian life, similar to the aforementioned Biblical figures. Lenten practices later extended to the whole body of the church.

Some Lenten practices appear from the outside to be just “weird Catholic things.” Since this post was inspired by a Protestant friend, the question arose: “Why do Catholics celebrate Lent and not the rest of Christians?” (Spoiler alert: some Christians do.)

Protestant denominations do not observe Lent if they do not follow the liturgical seasons. (The reason why... is probably better for a future post.) However, Lutherans, Methodists, and Anglicans are all branches of Protestantism which follow the liturgical calendar. 

The liturgical seasons (image credit)

Lent is just one of the liturgical seasons, and during each season the Church calls to focus on different spiritual practices. The year starts with Advent as a time of preparation. Then Christmas is a season of joy. Ordinary time (both periods) are seasons for growing. Lent is a time of repentance, and Easter is also a season of joy and celebrating life.

But why do Catholics eat fish but not meat on Fridays? Why do we "give up" something for the 40 days? Why purple? Stay tuned for more~!

First of a 3(?)-part series on the Lenten season:

1. Brief Introduction

2. Fasting and other practices of Lent

3. Personal Lent Reflection 2021