Lent period begins today. Ash Wednesday Marks the beginning of Lent and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The 40-day period represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, resisting temptation.
Ashes are applied on Ash Wednesday, as a symbol of repentance, humility, and mortality. The tradition comes from Biblical times, when people would cover themselves with ashes as a sign of sorrow for their sins.
Why Are Ashes Used?
- Reminder of Mortality – The priest or minister often says, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19), reminding people that life is temporary.
- Symbol of Repentance – Ashes show sorrow for sins and a commitment to change.
- Call to Renewal – They encourage believers to reflect on their spiritual life and grow closer to God during Lent.
- Connection to Jesus – The ashes remind Christians of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, preparing them for His resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The ashes, usually made from burned palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, are placed in a cross shape on the forehead. This symbolizes both faith in Christ and a willingness to turn away from sin.All the Parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Malindi launched the Lenten Campaign and put an emphasis on the significance of Lent in our lives as Catholic Christians.
Simon Mwalimo, the CJPD Coordinator in the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, gave a presentation on the Lenten Campaign to the Secretariat Staff. He encouraged the staff to be prayerful. Help the needy in the society and do everything that pleases God during this lent period. He taught the staff to perform works of mercy, donate to the poor and volunteer in services to our communities and Parishes.
Simon also distributed envelops that we as Christians are supposed to put our contributions for the support of the needy.
Lent is important for many Christians because it is a season of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It typically lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays) and is observed through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
Lent is a time to reflect on one's life, seek forgiveness, and grow spiritually. The 40-day period represents the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert, resisting temptation. Many people give up something (like certain foods, habits, or luxuries) as a way of growing in self-control and focusing on their faith.
The 40-day fast during Lent is inspired by the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, where He resisted temptation from Satan (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
Why 40 Days?
The number 40 has deep Biblical significance:
- Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry.
- Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
- Elijah fasted for 40 days while journeying to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
- The Great Flood lasted 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:12).
- The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land.
Christians Fast during Lent so that they can Follow Jesus’ Example. When Christians fast they imitate Christ’s self-discipline in the wilderness.
To Practice Self-Control – Fasting helps believers overcome bad habits and focus on spiritual growth.
To Strengthen Prayer – Fasting is often paired with prayer to deepen one’s relationship with God.
To Prepare for Easter – It’s a time of repentance, renewal, and reflection leading up to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
To Show Solidarity – It reminds people of the suffering of others, encouraging acts of charity.
“As we begin this season of Lent, let us take this time for reflection, renewal, and growth. May we open our hearts to God's grace, seek repentance and forgiveness, and strengthen our faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness. Let this be a journey of spiritual transformation, drawing us closer to God and preparing us for the joy of Easter. May our sacrifices remind us of Jesus' love and inspire us to live with humility, compassion, and gratitude. Amen.”
Wishing you a blessed and meaningful Lent!