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Father Yves Saint Laurent Ayemou answers three very simple questions about the Christian Lent that has just begun.
What is Lent?
Lent comes from a Latin term: “quadragesima” which refers to 40 days. 40 is the symbol of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert as far as the New Testament is concerned. And in the Old Testament, it’s the 40 years that the people of Israel spent in the desert from their exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. And so, these 40 days will prepare us for the celebration of Easter which is the central feast of Christianity.
When does Lent begin?
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and for this year it will be March 2. This Wednesday is called Ash Wednesday because on this day we receive ashes either on the forehead or on the head. Why the ashes? The ashes to remind us that we are fragile beings, finite beings, and that we receive everything from God.
What should be done while fasting?
Fasting is partially or totally depriving ourselves of food or something, provided that this privatization allows us to really turn to God. Of course, privatization will take place primarily in relation to food, but also because of its broad meaning, things that could distance us from God, such as, for example, Facebook, or even television, or even gossip.
Regarding the privatization of food, what should be done? Generally, this is the question that many of us ask ourselves. Do I have to drink water, juice? What should I eat? What time should I eat? For Catholic Christians, there are no indications, the Bible does not give the way in which one should fast.