Research Essay
I. Introduction
A tradition involves a set of beliefs or practices performed by people of a certain religion. One example of a sacred time is during Lent. Lent is a sacred time of year and a tradition most commonly known in the Roman Catholic religion because it involves an amount of days set aside in commemoration of the Lord and his resurrection. Furthermore, this time is practiced by multiple religious’ groups including Roman Catholics, Methodists, and more. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday and last around 6 weeks, or forty days.
II. Information on Religion
The Bible is the main sacred text used during Lent. It provides information on the tradition for its followers and allows them to learn more about the origins of it. 1 Peter 5:6 says “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (“Lent Bible Verses”). Lent is certainly a time to humble oneself and open their heart to God. The Mass is seen as the main sacred space during Lent. This is the service which occurs every Sunday in the Catholic Church. This sacred space allows followers to pray and worship during the Lent season.
There is a deeply rooted history behind this sacred time of year. The reason Lent lasts for forty days has to do with the history of the original story. The primary reason is that forty days was how long Jesus stayed out in the desert and fasted in preparation for his resurrection (Sanders). However, it is also forty days due to Moses staying in the wilderness and Elijah traveling. Both of these occurrences last forty days as well. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah are among the most important founding figures of this tradition, especially considering that Lent is a time for almsgiving in preparation of Jesus’s resurrection. This is a significant number when it comes to the length of fasting during this sacred time.
During Lent, followers may give up something. This is a time for followers to focus on their relationship with God rather than whatever is distracting them. There are many things that can be given up during these forty days, including items such as chocolate, cell phones, or even smoking. Being able to give up the distractions helps to set up a time for self-reflection as well. They can also set goals for themselves, such as praying more often or studying the Bible every day. Some even take on activities like volunteering and helping those in need. The goal of this is to put others before yourself by giving your time to the less fortunate.
In these forty days, followers fast, and may not eat certain foods. In the Catholic Church, meats are not allowed to be eaten during fasting. These days without eating meat include Ash Wednesday and every Friday leading up to Easter, including Good Friday. The reason behind this avoidance of meat is due to the fact that meat is associated with lavish dinners and celebration meals. However, followers may still consume fish and dairy. The only day followers do not fast is on Sunday, because it is seen as a special day set apart from the rest of the week since the first day of the week, known as Sunday in some religions and cultures, is when Jesus rose.
As stated before, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is essential to Lent because it sets up the rest of the event through a ritual involving ashes (Important Days). The day originates from the ritual of putting ash on the foreheads of those who participate in Lent to represent repentance (what the ashes symbolize). The sacred time for self-reflection and fasting ends on Holy Saturday leading up to the day of Easter. Holy Saturday occurs the day before Easter Sunday and was the day Jesus was laid in a tomb. Lent helps us to prepare for Easter, or when Jesus was resurrected. Easter is a very important religious holiday as this was the day Jesus Christ came back to life.
Among these important days during Lent, there is also Shrove Tuesday. This is the day before Ash Wednesday and is done with feasts and celebrations in preparation for when the time comes to fast for Lent. It can help with keeping the commitment to not indulging in whatever you have given up for Lent. At the end of this sacred time, followers will have been able to repent and self-reflect. Repenting for their sins allows them to put more effort and focus into their relationship with God. This can be a spiritually life-changing time for some as they prioritize God into their lives.
III. Personal Response
Based on what I have learned from the textbook and the class, a sacred time or tradition is “set apart for worship, holy days, and religious festivals.” I believe that Lent is a tradition which involves all of these aspects. I have friends who participate in this tradition and it is really incredible to see their dedication throughout the entire season. On the surface, lent may just appear to be the avoidance of meat and fasting. However, it is so much more, and the message behind this tradition is a faithful one. When visiting the Church, you will see many praying to Jesus in order to reflect on all he has done for them or repent for their sins. You might also see some followers being baptized as they commit to Catholicism. For most, Lent is a time for religious revival.
IV. Historical Context
A current movement that has taken place in the tradition of Lent is the importance of baptism. Originally, this tradition involved the importance of being baptized as a baby. This changed as themes of repentance and fasting came into play (“Lent in the Church”). It is influencing the tradition because as of recent times the importance of being baptized is becoming dominant as more adults are turning to the Catholic Church and being baptized. Essentially, the original meaning of Lent is being seen once again.
V. Conclusion
Lent is a time for self-reflection and helps to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. It can be eye-opening for some as they realize the sacrifice Jesus has made for them. There are many important holidays surrounding this tradition as Catholics prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is an opportunity to repent for sins and grow one’s spiritual self.