Lent focuses on two aspects of Christian life. First, we remember our Baptism and prepare to be baptized. Second, we consider how we have lived out our baptismal promises, and we observe more intensely the Christian penitential disciplines in order to live more faithfully the vows we made, or will make, at Baptism. By emphasizing these two points, the Church prepares for the great Easter season when those who are not Christian are baptized and those who are already Christian renew their baptismal promises.
Prayer
During Lent, we are encouraged to participate more often in the Eucharist, not only on Sunday but also on traditionally penitential days, such as Friday. This is an especially beneficial time to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance as well as the other liturgies of the Church, such as Evening Prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Other devotions, such as Stations of the Cross, are encouraged as well as individual practices such as daily prayer, Scripture reading, spiritual reading, alms-giving, self-denial, and increased care for the the sick and poor.
Fasting and Abstinence
Denying or limiting oneself food is a traditional penitential practice. During Lent, those of age 18 until the beginning of their 60th year are obligated to observe a day of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fasting means eating only one full meatless meal per day. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken, but together they should not equal a full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, may be taken between meals. If health or ability to work are affected, one is not obligated to fast. Fasting on all weekdays of Lent is also strongly recommended.
Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. All the faithful are bound by Church law to abstain from meat from the day after their 14th birthday. Pastors and parents should ensure that children who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are catechized in an authentic sense of penance, conversion, and reconciliation.
Easter Duty and Holy Communion
All the faithful, after they have participated in First Communion, are obligated to share in Communion at least once a year. This law must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. In the United States, with regard to this law, the Easter season is the period from the First Sunday of Lent until Most Holy Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost).
Sacrament of Penance
After Baptism and a diligent examination of conscience, members of the Christian faithful are obligated to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance if one consciously commits a serious sin which has not yet been confessed or acknowledged in individual confession. It is recommended that venial sins are also confessed. The faithful who are old enough to understand that they have sinned are obligated to confess serious sins at least once a year.
Visit www.dsj.org/AshWednesday for Ash Wednesday Mass times and Lenten Reconciliation services.
