The Catholic Church is made up of six liturgical seasons. As of February 14th, we have officially entered the season of Lent. Lent is a 40 day period (excluding Sundays) that focuses on prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving food or money to the less fortunate).
A common question asked during the beginning and following the lenten season is “What are you going to give up for Lent?” The concept of giving something up for Lent stems from the fact that we are called to sacrifice, the same way Jesus sacrificed his life for us.
Another rule implies that people should not consume meat on Fridays. The reason we refrain from eating meat is to honor the fact that Jesus sacrificed his body for us on Good Friday.
Lent ends on Easter Sunday, the day that signifies the Resurrection of Christ and the living proof the Christ was almighty and the true Son of God.
All of these rules follow the theme of us giving something up out of respect for the terrible suffering that Jesus endured in his final days. Giving up something that usually is a staple in our lives teaches us to appreciate all that we have and gives us a sense of gratitude for all the luxuries we are able to have.
