LENT: AN INTERACTIVE REFLECTION BY FR PREYE PAUL AND DR FRANCIS ELAWEREMI

March 16, 2025 Paul Preye

HISTORY AND MEANING OF LENT: AN INTERACTIVE REFLECTION

By:
Very Rev. Fr Preye Paul
(Immediate past Chancellor/Secretary to the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi)

Dr Francis Elaweremi
(Diocesan Laity President, Catholic Diocese of Bomadi)
(Presented at the People’s FM 93.1, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday 14th March, 2025)

WHAT IS LENT?
Lent is a season of preparation for Easter, mirroring Jesus’ forty days in the desert and also anticipating his passion, death, and triumphant resurrection on Easter day (Matt. 28:1; Lk 24:1; Jn. 20:1). In this reflection, we’ll delve into the history of Lent, its biblical roots, and its threefold meaning.

Lent has its roots in early Christian tradition. It was formalized by the Council of Nicaea, present day Turkey in 325 AD and is inspired by Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert, making it a time of preparation for Easter. Lent is a significant event in the Catholic Church.

WHY IS LENT FORTY DAYS LONG?
The reason is that forty represents a period of transformation, spiritual growth and preparation for a new phase of life. Thus Moses stayed on the Mountain of God forty days (Exodus 24:18 and 34:28), Prophet Elijah traveled forty days before he reached the cave where he had his vision (1 Kings 19:8), Nineveh was given forty days to repent (Jonah 3:4), and most importantly, prior to undertaking his public ministry, Jesus spent forty days in wilderness praying and fasting (Matthew 4:2).
Since Lent is a period of prayer and fasting, it is fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord with a forty day period. Christ used a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for his ministry, which culminated in his death and resurrection, and thus it is fitting for Christians to imitate him with a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration of his ministry’s climax, Good Friday (the day of the crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (the day of the resurrection).
WHAT PRACTICES BECAME CENTRAL TO THE OBSERVANCE OF LENT?
Lent evolved into a time of penance and spiritual renewal, with practices like:

Fasting: abstaining from food and drink to focus on spiritual growth
Prayer: deepening one’s relationship with God through contemplation and devotion
Almsgiving: showing compassion and charity to those in need

HOW LONG HAS THE OBSERVANCE OF LENT BEEN A PART OF CATHOLIC TRADITION?
The observance of Lent by Catholics is over 1,700 years. The observance of Lent remains a vital part of Catholic tradition, guiding believers toward spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God. It is a practice that has come to stay.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD “LENT”?
Now, let’s dive into the threefold meaning of Lent. The word “Lent” has three meanings, each offering a unique perspective on this sacred season. In German, it means “spring.” In Latin, it means “slowly” or “lente.” In English, it is the past tense of “lend.”
HOW DOES THE GERMAN MEANING OF LENT RELATE TO OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES?
The first meaning of Lent in GERMAN is SPRING. It is spring time especially for Europe. In the Philippines it is summer.
In the middle of Lenten, trees become dry. The plants become dry and the grasses also become dry. But do you know what, during the time when the trees become dry, it is also the time the roots of the trees sink more deeply into the earth to gain more nutrients. In other words, it is also springtime but not just like the leaves we see from the trees rather for the roots of our souls. So Lent is the springtime of the soul. The soul flourishes while our bodies become dry due to fasting, mortification and penance; the soul is refreshed during the season of Lent.
WHAT DOES THE LATIN MEANING OF LENT TEACH US?
The Latin word “lente” reminds us to slow down, take it easy in life, appreciate the little things, and reconnect with God and loved ones.

It’s time for us to adopt a more mindful and balanced approach to life. The wisdom of ‘slow and steady wins the race’ has never been more relevant. Our relentless pursuit of overnight wealth and riches has created a toxic culture of desperation, driving many individuals to seek shortcuts that ultimately lead to destruction.

Regrettably, some prosperity gospel preachers have caused more harm than good. They have exploited this desperation, failing to preach the value of contentment and instead fueling the frenzy for material success. They have taken advantage of Nigeria’s economic challenges to expand their personal empires, preying on the vulnerability of their followers, brainwashing them and promising all-round prosperity. But let’s remember:

As the Bible says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). True prosperity comes from hard work, smart decisions, and commitment to our values.

Let’s not be deceived:

The loudest “Amen” won’t make you wealthy.
Hard work and smart decisions will.

More so, many young people have been lured into destructive lifestyles, including Yahoo Yahoo scams, kidnapping, hookup culture, prostitution, and money rituals.

Let us take life easy and slowly and patiently journey with the Lord. We are always in a hurry and impatient. This is what the Latin meaning of Lent is teaching us.

HOW DOES THE ENGLISH MEANING OF LENT IMPACT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
In English, Lent is the past tense of “lend”.

When somebody lends, the other person borrows. When the other borrows, the other person is lending. So, Lent is also a time to remember that everything we have including our lives, our talents, our resources is borrowed and God is the Big Lender. The big lender is neither the kindest banks nor the Osusu/Financial groups one belongs. The Biggest Lender is God. He has lend us so much but there will be a time when we have to return what we have borrowed. There will be a time we have to return what He has lent to us, and that time will be a day when we remember that we are dust and unto dust we shall return. (1Cor 1:30 everything that we have comes from God). The life we live is borrowed Ps 38:15; 39:4-8; 90:12. We must give account of ourselves to God (Rom 14:12).

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE LISTENERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS REFLECTION ON LENT?
We want our listeners to graciously embrace the threefold meaning of Lent: springtime of the soul, a time to slow down, and a reminder of our borrowed lives. May our hearts be renewed, our spirits refreshed, and our lives transformed by the power of God. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.