Various small occasions occur throughout the year. Right now, talk of Lent is in the news. Most people have heard of Lent. But what is it really? Can anyone participate? Will one become a better person because of it? The answer lies in the doer.
What Is Lent?
Lent is a six-week period that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. Lent officially begins today, February 18, 2026. During the forty days of Lent (excluding Sundays), believers remember Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness, as mentioned in the Bible. Lent is a time for fasting, self-reflection, repentance, and preparation for the joyous celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection on Easter.
Who Celebrates Lent?
Lent is primarily a Catholic occasion; however, any believer can participate. Believers of any denomination use this time to deepen their relationship with God.
Common Fasts
A fast is a time of going without. Although Jesus went 40 days without eating, most modern believers do not. However, some do fast for 24 hours every other day during this time. Then there are the fasts from sweets, television, social media, caffeine, fast food, gossip, and oversleeping. This is a time to put aside anything that draws you away from your relationship with God the Father. Fasting helps to redirect our lives toward a deeper focus on God.
This is a daily communion with Almighty God, preparing our hearts for Jesus glorious resurrection.
