When is Lent 2024? When Lent Starts and Ends + FREE Lent Journal

Spring is a season of fresh beginnings, characterized by the emergence of flowers and the brightening of the sun, making it a fitting metaphor for starting anew. For Christians, spring holds particular significance, with the holiday of Easter at its center, celebrating the rebirth of Christ.

When is Lent?

Alongside attending church, egg decorating, and Easter brunch, Christians also observe Lent, a time of self-examination, fasting, and spiritual growth leading up to Easter. It’s a powerful time of reflection as we look forward to the coming celebration of Easter. During this time, many churches invite members to join in a period of deep spiritual renewal and contemplation.

When does Lent start in 2024?

Lent is a 40-day period before Easter Sunday, with its name thought to have originated from the word “lencten,” which means “spring” or “springtime.” Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 14th in 2024.

If you want to learn more about Ash Wednesday, check out this article. It will teach you all about the history and significance of Ash Wednesday, as well as some of the traditions surrounding this important day. You’ll also find out about the various customs observed in different parts of the world, and how to observe Ash Wednesday with your friends and family.

How long is Lent?

In Western religions, such as Roman Catholicism, Lent includes a 40-day fast, with Sundays excluded as feast days. During Lent, many Christians abstain from specific luxuries or indulgences in order to focus on prayer, reflection, and service.

When does Lent end?

Lent ends on Holy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, for some faiths, while for others, it ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, leading up to the most sacred liturgy of the year known as the Triduum. During this time, many Christians take part in special services and prayers which marks the end of Lent. This year Lent ends on March 28, 2024.

Why do the dates for Lent change every year?

The dates for Lent change every year because the dates for Easter change every year. Easter is considered a movable religious feast celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the start of spring, or the spring equinox.

By Christian tradition, Lent is always 46 days before Easter Sunday, so the start of Lent is determined by counting back six weeks from Easter Sunday, which can fall between March 22 and April 25.

Lent is an important part of the Christian faith that many people observe as a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. During Lent, Christians abstain from certain activities or foods, such as meat on Fridays, so they can focus their attention on prayer and spiritual growth.

What is Fasting?

Fasting according to its textbook definition is the willful refrainment from eating and sometimes drinking. However, Lent fasting takes a broader definition. Fasting is willingly giving up something that will be missed, a sacrifice.

It could be food altogether for a certain period of time each day, a specific food or drink, a habit, or an activity. The point is for you to miss what you are giving up, to emulate the struggle that Jesus was going through in the desert for those 40 days.

Why Fast?

When Jesus was in the desert fasting for those 40 days, he was reflecting and praying to God, and that’s the purpose of Lent. During the fast you should focus your attention on God.

Instead of having to make room for this extra time with God in your schedule, you are just replacing your normal routines like eating and other activities, with God time. So, no excuses for not having enough time. The time that you would use eating or doing those other activities is spent with God instead.

How to choose what to give up for Lent?

Reflection. Take a self-evaluation of what you do frequently and what you like and love.

It is a season of preparation for Easter and a reminder to live according to God’s will. As we journey through this special period of grace and mercy, may we all be strengthened by God’s love and come closer to Him in our own lives.

Do you observe lent? What will you give up? Let me know in the comments below and may God bless us all throughout our Lenten journey!

Scriptures to Reflect on During Lent

Here are 46 scriptures covering a range of different topics to read, reflect and take
notes on. One scripture for each day of Lent, including the Sundays that don’t count
towards the 40 days.

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