Why is Lent such an important time in the Catholic calendar?

Answer 1

The Catholic Church and many other Christians Churches follow the Biblical practice of Jesus Christ and the Jews in setting aside days where the entire Church fasts and prays as one in a attitude of constant renewal. By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This season of penance is an intense moment of the Church's penitential practice and are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and charitable and missionary works. The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches also observe the season of Lent. Many modern Protestant Churches consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation.

Answer 2

Lent is a time where when you do something by either giving it up or taking it on. This helps you to identify with Christ in his time of suffering, while it is not mandatory to participate, the more you put into the more you will receive. Lent is a time of preparation, just as Christ entered into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for the upcoming situation, we are called to the same. The preparation is not for our own persecution (while it still may happen), but for the gratitude we express for Christ's sacrifice for us.

The practice of Lent is not indicated anywhere inn the Scriptures. Whilst indications are that it may have been practiced since the 4th Century A.D., not all Christians have observed it. Justification for its practice can be found in Romans 14:5: "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." The usage of the 40 day period, mimics fasting by Moses, Paul and Christ, but is not established as a practice in Scripture.

Whilst a number of individuals show a conscious effort to draw closer to God in this practice, it also has become a mockery through such activities as the Mardi Gras. If one desires to truly excercise discipline and restraint, it should effect their entire lifestyle, not just the 40 days alotted.

Answer 3

Because Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in a desert fasting.

Roman Catholic AnswerIt is important as a preparation for Easter, it is a season of prayer and penance to better prepare for a more worthy reception of the graces that Christ merited by His passion and death.

from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980

Answer 4

The Lenten season is the time for Catholics to do penance for sins through fasting, prayer, and self sacrifice. We are called by the Church to remember the sacrifice Christ Jesus made for us and for our redemption and to consciously attempt to conform ourselves to him. What better time to do it then right before his Passion and Death and unite our sufferings with his. Lent reminds us that we shall die, face judgement, and asks each of us if we shall be found wanting - so, for these trains it is quite important to our Faith.

Answer 5

Lent is important to Christians because they are preparing for the Death and Resurection of Jesus Christ

Answer 6

The 40 days of Lent symbolize the 40 days Our Lord spent fasting and praying in the desert. It is a time for penance and inner cleansing for Catholics.