What is Ash Wednesday? Q & A About Lent

CLICK to Read About Lenten Pilgrimages Below

  Most of us know what Easter is, but what is Lent? 

• Lent is a Christian observance lasting approximately 40 days before Easter.

• It commemorates Jesus Christ's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.

• It's a period of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter.

• Many Christians fast, pray, and practice self-discipline during Lent.

• It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.

CLICK to Read About Some Extreme Lenten Practices Below

What is Shrove Tuesday and what does it represent? 

• Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is the day before Ash Wednesday.

• It marks the beginning of Lent.

• Traditionally, Christians would use up rich foods like eggs and fats before fasting for Lent.

• Pancakes became associated with the day due to their use of these ingredients.

• It symbolizes preparation for fasting.

What is Ash Wednesday?

• Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in many Christian traditions.

• It occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday.

• On this day, worshippers receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

• The ashes symbolize mortality, repentance, and the desire for spiritual renewal.

• It's a day of prayer, fasting, and reflection.

Are there other days that are significant during Lent? 

Palm Sunday: Commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday: Often marked by reflection on Jesus' teachings and events leading up to his crucifixion.

Holy Wednesday is traditionally seen as the day that Judas turned Jesus over, for thirty pieces of silver,  to the men who wanted to kill him.

Painting by Jan Molnar 1909 (public.)

     

Maudy Thursday: Inspired by Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service,  some Christian churches practice foot washing ceremonies on Maundy Thursday. This ritual symbolizes the importance of humility, service, and love for one another. This is a standard ritual in Adventist Churches about 4 or 5 times a year.  Many other traditonal rituals as well.

Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Holy Saturday: Reflects on Jesus' time in the tomb and anticipation of his resurrection.

Easter Sunday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the end of Lent.

Why is Good Friday called GOOD? It doesn't seem good

Good Friday is considered "good" because it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe led to the redemption of humanity. Despite the sorrow and suffering associated with Jesus' crucifixion, it is viewed as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, paving the way for salvation and eternal life. The term "good" may also be interpreted in the sense of "holy" or "pious."

What "Christian" -influenced denominations/religions do NOT observe Easter with the majority of Christians?

• Some Christian-influenced denominations or religions that do not observe Easter in the same way as the majority of Christians include:

• Jehovah's Witnesses: They do not celebrate Easter, viewing it as a pagan holiday.

• Some branches of the Church of God (Seventh Day): They emphasize Sabbath observance and may not observe Easter.Certain segments of the Churches of Christ: Some congregations may not observe Easter due to their focus on New Testament teachings and the absence of explicit biblical instructions for celebrating Easter.

• Certain independent fundamentalist churches or groups may also abstain from observing Easter due to theological differences or objections to its pagan roots.

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses see Easter as a pagan holiday?

• Jehovah's Witnesses view Easter as a pagan holiday due to its historical origins and associations. They believe that many Easter customs, such as the Easter bunny and eggs, have pagan roots, tracing back to pre-Christian fertility celebrations. Additionally, they see Easter as lacking biblical authorization and instead prioritize the commemoration of Jesus' death through the observance of the Memorial of Christ's Death, held annually on the date of the Jewish Passover.

Do the Churches of Christ who do not celebrate Easter, also not celebrate Christmas?

• The observance of Christmas among Churches of Christ can vary depending on individual congregations and their theological beliefs. While some Churches of Christ may choose not to observe Easter due to a lack of explicit biblical instruction, they may still choose to celebrate Christmas as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, like Easter, there may be theological differences within the denomination regarding the celebration of Christmas, with some adherents opting for a more minimalist approach or choosing not to observe it at all.

What about Seventh-day Adventists? Do they celebrate Easter and Christmas?

• Seventh-day Adventists generally do observe Easter and Christmas, albeit with certain distinctive interpretations and practices. 
• Easter is typically observed as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its significance in Christian theology. Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, is also observed by many Seventh-day Adventists, although they may place more emphasis on the religious aspects rather than the commercial aspects of the holiday. 
• However, like with many Christian denominations, there can be variations in how these holidays are celebrated among individual Seventh-day Adventist congregations.

Where does the word Lent come from?

• The word "Lent" comes from the Old English word "lencten," which means "springtime" or "lengthening of days." It likely derives from the Germanic root "langa," meaning "long," referring to the lengthening of daylight during the spring season.
•  In Christian tradition, Lent occurs during the springtime in the Northern Hemisphere, further connecting the season with the name Lent.

What month and year is Jesus actually recorded as having been crucified?

• The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is traditionally believed to have occurred around the year 30 or 33 AD, although there is ongoing debate among scholars about the exact year. 
• The Gospels in the New Testament do not provide a specific date for the crucifixion, but they do offer details about the events leading up to it, such as the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. 
• The exact month and day of Jesus' crucifixion are not recorded in historical documents.

What season does the Bible propose was the time of the crucifixion of Christ? What season would that be in Canada?

• The Bible doesn't explicitly mention the season of Jesus' crucifixion, but it does provide some contextual clues. For instance, it notes that during the events leading up to the crucifixion, it was Passover time, which typically falls in the spring season according to the Jewish calendar.

• In Canada, spring typically occurs from March to June, with temperatures varying depending on the region. So, if we were to correlate the season of Passover in the Middle East with that in Canada, it would also be during the spring season.

What denominations do not observe Lent?

• Several Christian denominations do not traditionally observe Lent or do so with varying degrees of emphasis. These may include:

• Many evangelical and non-denominational Protestant churches, which may not have a strong emphasis on liturgical seasons.

• Certain independent fundamentalist churches or denominations, which may prioritize other aspects of Christian faith and practice.

• Some Restorationist groups, such as Churches of Christ, who emphasize a return to New Testament practices and may not observe Lent due to a lack of explicit biblical command.

• Certain Pentecostal and charismatic churches, which may prioritize spiritual renewal and may not adhere to traditional liturgical observances like Lent.

• Jehovah's Witnesses, who do not observe many traditional Christian holidays and festivals, including Lent, viewing them as of pagan origin.

Are Seventh-day Adventists seen as an evangelical denomination?

• Seventh-day Adventists are often considered a Protestant denomination, but they are not typically classified as part of the evangelical movement. While there may be some similarities in beliefs and practices between Seventh-day Adventists and evangelical Christians, such as a focus on personal conversion and sharing the gospel, Seventh-day Adventists have distinctive doctrines and practices that set them apart.

• Seventh-day Adventists emphasize adherence to the Sabbath on Saturday, belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ (Adventism), healthful living principles, and a unique understanding of prophetic interpretation, particularly regarding the end times. These distinctive teachings differentiate them from mainstream evangelicalism.

So, do Adventists observe Lent?

• Seventh-day Adventists, as a denomination, do not have a uniform observance of Lent like some other Christian traditions. 
• While individual Seventh-day Adventists may choose to observe Lenten practices on a personal basis, such as fasting, prayer, and reflection, it is not a formal or widespread tradition within Seventh-day Adventist churches. 
• Instead, Seventh-day Adventists often emphasize spiritual renewal, reflection, and preparation throughout the year as part of their ongoing Christian walk.

Do Catholics still, in the majority, strictly observe Lent?

• Yes, in the majority, Catholics still observe Lent as a significant liturgical season. Lent is considered one of the most important periods in the Catholic liturgical calendar. 
• During Lent, Catholics typically engage in various spiritual practices such as fasting, abstinence from meat on Fridays, increased prayer, and almsgiving. 
• While the degree of observance may vary among individuals, Lent remains a prominent and widely observed season within the Catholic Church.

What Extreme Practices Might Be Observed?

Various extreme practices during Lent are observed in different parts of the world, often as acts of penance or devotion. Some examples include:

• Flagellation: In some regions, individuals may engage in self-flagellation, whipping themselves bloody as a form of penance, particularly during Holy Week.

• Fasting: While fasting is a common Lenten practice, some individuals may undertake more extreme fasts, abstaining from food and water for extended periods as a form of spiritual discipline.

• Extreme pilgrimages: Some people undertake physically demanding pilgrimages or journeys during Lent, such as walking long distances barefoot or climbing steep terrain to reach sacred sites.

• Extreme acts of charity: Individuals may undertake extreme acts of charity or service during Lent, such as volunteering in impoverished or dangerous areas, or performing physically demanding tasks to help those in need.

• Processions and reenactments: Some communities stage reenactments of Jesus' Passion, carrying heavy crosses or participating in processions while bearing replicas of Jesus' crown of thorns or carrying statues depicting scenes from the Crucifixion. Scroll down to read more about Crucifixion enactments in the Philippines (my idea of extreme extreme).

It's important to note that while these practices may be seen as extreme by some, they are deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions and are often undertaken with sincere intentions of devotion and penance. However, some religious authorities may caution against practices that pose risks to health or safety.

What about the crucifixion enactments in the Philippines? How are they regarded by the Vatican?

• The crucifixions that take place in the Philippines, particularly during Holy Week, are a cultural and religious practice primarily associated with the municipality of San Fernando in Pampanga province. These crucifixions involve devotees voluntarily undergoing the experience of being nailed to a cross as an act of penance and devotion to Jesus Christ.

• The Vatican, as the central governing authority of the Catholic Church, has not issued an official statement specifically addressing the practice of crucifixions in the Philippines. However, it's worth noting that the Vatican generally encourages practices of devotion and penance that are in line with Catholic teachings and respect human dignity. While the Vatican has not officially endorsed or condemned these crucifixions, some Catholic leaders have expressed concerns about the extreme nature of these practices and emphasized the importance of focusing on the spiritual dimensions of Holy Week observances rather than extreme physical acts.

When did the above practices begin in the municipality of San Fernando in Pamanga, and who started the cultural tradition?

• The practice of crucifixions as part of Holy Week observances in the municipality of San Fernando in Pampanga, Philippines, dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been initiated by a local resident named Artemio Anoza, who began performing the crucifixion ritual as an act of penance and devotion in 1955. Over time, the practice gained popularity and became a significant cultural tradition in the area, attracting both local devotees and tourists. However, it's important to note that while Artemio Anoza is often credited with popularizing the practice, the roots of such extreme devotional practices may have deeper historical and cultural origins within the Filipino Catholic community.

Does the Russian Orthodox Church have any variations in Lent practices from the rest of the Christian world?

Yes, the Russian Orthodox Church observes Lent with its own unique variations and practices that differ from those of other Christian traditions:

• Length of Lent: The Russian Orthodox Church follows the Eastern Orthodox tradition of Lent, which typically lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays, leading up to Easter. This period is known as Great Lent.

• Dietary restrictions: During Great Lent, Russian Orthodox believers abstain from certain foods, particularly meat, dairy products, and eggs. This period of fasting is known as "Great Lenten Fast" or "the Great Fast." The dietary restrictions are often stricter than those observed in Western Christian traditions.

• Intensity of services: The Russian Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on prayer, repentance, and spiritual discipline during Great Lent. There are increased opportunities for attending church services, including the celebration of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Prostrations: Russian Orthodox believers may engage in prostrations, which involve bowing down or kneeling to the ground as an act of humility and repentance, particularly during Lenten services.

• Veneration of icons: The veneration of icons plays a significant role in Russian Orthodox Lenten practices, with believers using icons as aids in prayer and meditation throughout the season.

Overall, the Russian Orthodox Church's observance of Lent is deeply rooted in its rich tradition of spirituality and asceticism, with a focus on prayer, fasting, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Pilgrimages You Can Take During Lent

A pilgrim is someone who embarks on a journey, often to a sacred or significant destination, for spiritual or religious reasons. The journey itself is seen as an act of devotion, reflection, and seeking a deeper connection with one's faith or beliefs.

While many famous pilgrimage destinations exist, such as the Holy Land, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or Varanasi in India, it's not necessary to travel to these places to engage in a pilgrimage experience. Pilgrimage can be a deeply personal and internal journey, and it can take place within one's own community or even within the confines of one's home.

Here are some ways to make a pilgrimage during Lent without physically traveling to distant places:

1.  Local Pilgrimage Sites: Explore pilgrimage sites within your local area. Many regions have sacred sites, shrines, cathedrals, or historical churches that hold significance for believers. Visiting these places during Lent can provide an opportunity for reflection and prayer. Some local churches host a labyrinth in their church yard. Walking the labyrinth can be a spiritual exercise with chances to reflect and pray.
2. Spiritual Retreats: Attend a spiritual retreat or retreat center during Lent. These retreats offer structured programs focused on prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth. They provide an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse oneself in a period of contemplation and renewal.
3. Walking Pilgrimages: Instead of traveling to a distant pilgrimage site, consider embarking on a walking pilgrimage in your local area. Choose a route that holds personal or spiritual significance, such as a path through nature, historical landmarks, or sacred sites. Use the journey as a time for prayer, reflection, and connection with nature. And as above, a labyrinth in a church yard (or elsewhere) can be walked as part of a spiritual discipline, praying and reflecting.
4. Virtual Pilgrimages: With modern technology, it's possible to embark on virtual pilgrimages from the comfort of your home. Many pilgrimage sites offer virtual tours or live-streamed services, allowing you to participate in religious rituals and experiences remotely. You can also engage in virtual prayer groups or join online communities focused on pilgrimage and spirituality.
5. Inner Pilgrimage: Ultimately, pilgrimage is about the journey of the soul. Use the Lenten season as an opportunity for inner reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. Set aside time each day for prayer, meditation, scripture reading, and self-examination. Focus on deepening your relationship with God and striving for personal transformation.

Regardless of the form it takes, the essence of pilgrimage lies in the intention and devotion with which it is undertaken. Whether you travel to a distant land or embark on a journey of the heart, pilgrimage can be a powerful and transformative experience during the Lenten season.

Read about the 2024 Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela during Holy Week HERE. This was led by Dr. Denis Fortin, a Professor at Andrews University. The Pilgrims are readers of Spectrum Magazine.