Ivan Kramskoy.
Le Christ au Désert. 1872.
Lent is one of two great seasons of preparation and penitence, the other being Advent, which leads up to Christmas. Consisting of 40 days, excluding Sundays, Lent was traditionally a season of preparation for new converts who were to be baptised on Easter Sunday.
The number of days comes from gospel accounts of Jesus’ 40 days of testing in the wilderness. Lent is generally a time for all Christians to strengthen their faith, with emphasis on prayer, fasting, acts of penitence and mercy. The season begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes with the Holy Week Celebrations on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.
It is a sacred season in the Christian calendar that invites believers to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter. It has long been observed as a time for prayer, reflection, repentance, and renewed devotion to God.
Historically, it also served as a period of spiritual preparation for new believers awaiting baptism. Today, Christians continue to observe Lent by deepening their faith through spiritual disciplines and acts of mercy.
As we journey through this season, we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and are reminded of our calling to follow Him with humility, faith, and perseverance.