Ash Wednesday. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which, for many believers, includes a symbolic drawing of a cross with ashes on the forehead. The ashes are meant to remind us of human mortality.
Lent lasts for forty days because that’s how long Jesus wandered in the desert, fasting, while he resisted Satan’s temptations. This is an opportunity, during the forty days of Lent, to be like Jesus. They too can resist temptations and use this time to become closer to God.
- Lent isn’t simply a “countdown” or something to “get through” — it’s a chance to set aside distractions and focus on your relationship with the Lord.
The last week before Easter is especially important. Make sure your child knows that this last portion of Lent leads up to the celebration of Easter.
- Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to cheering crowds, but within a few days many of those same people turned against him. This shows how quickly anyone can succumb to the temptations of evil and turn away from God.
Holy (Maundy) Thursday tells the story of the night before Jesus died, and how he chose to spend his Last Supper with his “family” of disciples.
The day that Jesus died is a sad one for Christians, but it represents the sacrifice Jesus made for everyone and the glory he knew was to come afterward
- Eggs represent the promise of new life, and believers can focus on Jesus’ coming rebirth even as they commemorate his death.
On Saturday, there is typically no liturgy (save for evening Easter vigils in some traditions), so that the faithful can focus completely on Easter. In some traditions, Holy Saturday is a fast day, and baskets holding the food to be prepared the following day are blessed by the pastor or priest.
- Welcome Easter Sunday with unbridled joy. Pray. Sing. Celebrate. Go to Church. Spend the day together with loved ones.
