Lent is a Christian observance which commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and endured temptation by Satan, as stated in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.

This year Lent began on Wednesday, Feb. 14 2024 and will last until March 28. Then, the three days of Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday) will occur. 

During the Holy Week, Holy Thursday commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary, and Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

During Lent, Christians are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Fridays during Lent are also obligatory days of abstinence. Fasting is typically performed by people of ages 18 to 60. During this time, Christians are encouraged to abstract from everyday enjoyments, and to use that time they would on fun, to focus on prayer.

Christian Club, which takes place every Thursday at 3 p.m. and is located in room 149, invites all students to come pray and reflect on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of his fast and crucifixion.

Christian Club President, Isabella Gentile, senior, said that Lent is a time of humbleness. “We have come from God and we will return to Him. We focus on God and who He is.” 

She continued, “We know all the sacrifices He made for us. We’re not to use it in vain; always make sure what you’re doing connects you to God and not to look good for people.”

“God calls everyone into His love, and what we need to do to get that love is to turn back to Christ,” Gentile added.

“The main point of Lent is repentance, love, and sacrifice,” said junior Christian Club member Jarlath Beckman. “If you do not love God there’s no point to all of those.”

Christians are motivated to spread the word of the Gospel. Taken from The Holy Bible, Mark Chapter 16, 15-16, it is stated that, “He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”

Senior Christian Club member Juliana Koziol said that Lent is a reminder of the suffering Jesus Christ did for us. “It puts into perspective the worldly things we go through and experience. What Jesus Christ did for us helps us focus on abiding Christ-like expectations.”

Koziol added, “He is what matters. The best way to share the gospel is through our actions.”