ANSWERS: 2
  • it was a ritual of OT Israelites..
  • In Lent, we imitate Jesus' forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert (Though some OT prophets did this as well). We also walk alongside and pray for those who will be entering the Church at the Easter Vigil. We place a special emphasis on Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer during this time. The Church officially asks us to fast (have only one meal, and up to two snacks) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent. Fasting from other things as a personal devotion is also encouraged. Fasting can be from food (ie no chocolate, no snacking between meals), television, facebook, wearing jewelry, etc. We fast for several reasons: 1. to do penance for our past sins 2. In order to improve our self-control (which will help us resist future temptations) by giving up things that we enjoy. 3. In order to have more time for prayer 4. In order to have more to give to the poor This fasting also has the side effect of highlighting the beauty and joy of the Easter season.

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