Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 (NIV)

Lent

What is Lent? An explanation for children

The 40 days of Lent recall Jesus’ own 40 days of fasting and prayer at the beginning of his ministry. During Lent we prepare ourselves for Easter by being more intentional in our worship attendance, by devoting more time to prayer and Bible study, and by denying ourselves in order to share more with others.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with special worship. The forty days do not count Sundays. The final week of Lent is Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve are days of special significance when we recall especially the last days of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Lent is a season of reflection preparing our lives for the great news of the Gospel, delivered anew each Easter. The liturgical color is purple. Symbols such as ashes and dark veils suggesting mourning are used during the season. During Holy week, palm leaves, a basin and towel, bread and wine, a crown of thorns, and of course the cross recall particular events.

Lent begins on February 6 in 2008 and ends on Easter Eve, March 22, 2008. Easter begins on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.