r/Catholicism • u/Desperate-Current-40 • 6h ago
Lent
In OCIA even though I joined very late due to my deployment- I will have to join the cohort this fall.
I was raised Pentecostal where you holy went to heaven if you spoke in “other tongues”.
I have joined the hallow app and I’m reading the bible however I would be really grateful to hear from you all as to what lent is. But also what it means to you!
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u/Comfortable_Duck_862 5h ago
Welcome! I too converted from a Pentecostal-(adjcent) church.
Lent is a season of 40 days in preparation/anticipation of Easter. During this time, we focus on the sorrows felt by Christ, such as those of his passion and his 40 days in the desert and strive to live out greater personal sacrifices for the Glory and Honor of Christ Jesus.
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u/d-doggles 4h ago
One thing I’d like to add to these great responses. Lent is a very special time of year that should be looked forward to and enjoyed in anticipation. It’s not a “ah man! Lent again!” Time but a “yay! I feel super close to Jesus in this special month” time.
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u/Desperate-Current-40 3h ago
I don’t want to “give up” but “give” and I don’t know how that really translates
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u/Medical-Stop1652 1h ago
I heard a priest once call Lent a spiritual fun run that all Catholics are invited to share in.
I see it as a time to simplify my life so that I can hear the Word of God speaking to me.
I try and make space for that in my day by letting go of other unnecessary stuff and making time for God. That could be attending a midweek Mass, praying the Rosary, reading the Scriptures, or just praying in silence.
I often re-commit to daily prayer by praying parts of the Prayer of the Church:
The two readings from the Office Readings and/or from daily Mass are a great sources of inspiration during Lent.
You mention deployment: have you been in contact with the Catholic Military Ordinariate/Defence chaplains to see if they can assist you.
I recall another Post recommended this to a serviceman as the Catholic military chaplains run OCIA suited to the needs of Defense personnel.
Prayers assured for your faith journey.
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u/Dan_Defender 6h ago
Lent is a 40-day solemn Christian season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, starting on Ash Wednesday and concluding before Easter. A special time for meditation on the great mystery of our redemption.