Understanding Lent: Meaning, Traditions, and Reflection

Lent: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Lent is the fourth liturgical season in the year. It begins on Ash Wednesday (a movable date) and lasts for 40 days. The number 40, 404, or 400 has biblical significance, representing a time of conversion. Humans are imperfect, and we must acknowledge the need for conversion, changing our attitudes to prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection.

Ash Wednesday: A Symbol of Life

On Ash Wednesday, we observe the imposition of ashes, a sign of life because our human works never truly disappear (ash is a symbol of life).

Repentance and the Gospel

"Repent and believe in the gospel" are the words of Jesus, helping us understand our reality and inviting us to change attitudes that are not life-affirming.

The essence of this text resonates within the three monotheistic religions:

The Pillars of Lent

• Giving Charity: Every human being needs to cultivate positive attitudes. Giving alms, in this context, isn't just about money but sharing the qualities we each possess.
• Prayer: People especially need to communicate with those they care about.
• Fasting: We become accustomed to valuing the positive and avoiding negative language.

Manos Unidas: A Force Against Poverty

Manos Unidas is a Catholic volunteer organization, founded in 1960, dedicated to combating poverty, hunger, disease, and underdevelopment. It originated from a group of Catholic women who refused to ignore the tragedy of hunger. The organization funds development projects in over 60 countries.

Jesus Reveals God's Love

Jesus reveals a God who is love. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. The expression "God is your father and he wants you" encapsulates much of what Jesus reveals about God. Jesus's life is a manifestation of unconditional love. God is love.

God's Unconditional Love

God loved us first. He took the first step. His love is freely given. God loves us because He is good. God created us in His image and likeness; every human being is a living reflection of God.

The Love of Jesus: A Model for Us

The love of Jesus: The key to the love of Jesus is found in his words to his disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you." Jesus was deeply loved by the Father. Jesus lived to serve, not to be served. His life was a constant act of service to others, and this is what he asks his disciples to do.

An Invitation to Love

Jesus invites us to love. The life of Jesus is the most perfect expression of love for God and others. His disciples must follow the same path: "Love one another as I have loved you." These words of Jesus are clear: they speak of a total, unconditional, and real love. Therefore, love for others:

1. Is the sign of the love of God.
2. Is the characteristic of the disciples of Jesus: "By the love that you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples."