Happy Lent :)

[CyrilSebastian]

In the 7th century, 4 days were added before the first Sunday in Lent in order to     
establish 40 fasting days, in imitation of Jesus' fast in the desert.

[CyrilSebastian]

Lent comes from the Middle English word "lente". "Lente" means springtime.   
 
 

[CyrilSebastian]

The celebration of Lent is not a commandment but an opportunity for people to renew their faith.

[CyrilSebastian]

The reading of the Passion on Palm Sunday sets the tone for the liturgy later in Holy Week.   
The mood of Palm Sunday is solemn, yet hopeful.

[eschator83]

Many thanks for your consistency in these posts.  It is a useful and beneficial review each year, and sometimes more often.

[CyrilSebastian]

Many thanks for your consistency in these posts.  It is a useful and beneficial review each year, and sometimes more often.

           

eschator83, You are welcome!   
 
 

[Shin]

Amen to that eschator, there is much to be thankful for to read! 

[CyrilSebastian]

Giotto di Bondone painted The Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas) in 1304-1306.

[CyrilSebastian]

In the Gospel of Matthew John the Disciple is not mentioned standing at the cross of Jesus.     
In the Gospel of Mark John the Disciple is not mentioned standing at the cross of Jesus.   
In the Gospel of Luke John the Disciple is not mentioned standinding at the cross of Jesus.   
In the Gospel of John Chaspter 19 Verses 26-27   
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother,   
"Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother."   
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

[CyrilSebastian]

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus left Jerusalem and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives.   
Here Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem.

[CyrilSebastian]

On Holy Thursday Jesus instituted the Eucharist.   
The institution of the Eucharist is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

[eschator83]

I'm curious if you have found an explanation of St John's early comment (well before the Last Supper) on the Eucharist that seems comfortable to you.  Perhaps the occasion was so difficult and disturbing to so many of Jesus' followers that the other Evangelists didn't see any benefit in mentioning it early in their Gospels.

 

[CyrilSebastian]

The original version of Lent was very short. Lent lasted 40 hours.   
This version of Lent did not last 40 days.   
It was a time for very restrictive fasting, very intense prayer and a special heightened awareness of the needs of the poor.   
This version of Lent lasted from Good Friday afternoon until Easter morning.

[CyrilSebastian]

It was finally Pope Gregory I (590-604) who finally regulated the period of Lenten fast churchwide.   
The fast begun on Wednesday 46 days before Easter and not include Sundays, which were perennial days of celebration.

[CyrilSebastian]

In the third century, there is evidence of Lent in the city of Alexandria, which lasted all of Holy Week.   
Later versions depict Lent as a duration of three weeks.

[CyrilSebastian]

The use of purple vestments. paraments, and decorations in churches during Lent underscores   
the somber and reflective nature of this season.