1. A Time for Fast and Feast

2.  Lent is a time to prepare for the greatest celebration of the Church year – Easter.  Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment; a time when we are called to respond to God with greater reflection and commitment.

3.  The 40 days symbolize the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert after his baptism in the River Jordan.  During this time, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit, and tempted by the devil.  Jesus never gave in to the devil’s evil temptations!

4.  Ashes: a reminder of the passage of time, and our constant need to turn away from sin.  Color: purple is a sign of reflection and conversation with God.  Palms: On the Sunday before Easter, we hold palms in imitation of the people of Jerusalem who honored Jesus by throwing palms in his path as he rode into the city.

5. 1. Fasting o This is a means of developing self-control o The pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. o It helps us realize the suffering of others in our world, and should lead us to greater efforts to reduce suffering

6. 2. Prayer o More time in prayer should draw us closer to God. 3. Almsgiving o This is a sign of our care for those in need. o It is an expression of our thanks for all that God has given us.

7.  Shrove Tuesday: also known as Pancake Day. It is the day before Ash Wednesday and is a day to fatten up before the sacrifice and fasting of Lent begins.  Ash Wednesday: the first day of Lent. We receive ashes from last year’s palms, which remind us to turn away from sin.

8.  Palm Sunday: the Sunday before Easter. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem; we receive palms at mass.  Triduum: the period of 3 days leading to and including Jesus’ death and resurrection. It begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday.

9.  Holy Thursday: the Last Supper and our celebration of Jesus’ gift to us of the Eucharist.  Good Friday: the day Jesus died on the cross.  Holy Saturday: the night before Easter Sunday. This is when Easter Vigil takes place.  Easter Sunday: the day Jesus rose from the dead! We celebrate new life.

10. Feast on Christ dwelling within them.

11. Feast on the reality of light.

12. Feast on optimism.

13. Feast on the healing power of God.

14. Feast on phrases that purify.

15. Feast on patience.

16. Feast on divine providence.

17. Feast on unceasing prayer.

18. Feast on positives.

19. Feast on appreciation.

20. Feast on non-resistance.

21. Feast on forgiveness.

22. Feast on hope.

23. Feast on a silent heart.

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