Does Lent still make sense? Is it relevant today? Does it matter to anyone? Is it important and useful? These are questions many people ask themselves today because they have difficulty understanding Lent, as it seems like something ancient and outdated.
Lent makes sense if it marks a new beginning that prepares us and accompanies us toward the encounter with the Risen Jesus, so that we may experience his divine splendor and, strengthened in faith, continue the journey together with him.
Lent is in itself a journey of hope, both personal and communal, but it is also a time of spiritual renewal and conversion, of returning to God «with all your heart» (Jl 2:12).

Fasting and abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday

If Shrove Tuesday represents the last opportunity to enjoy delicious foods, especially rich and fatty sweets, Ash Wednesday begins with fasting and abstinence from meat. Indeed, this is underscored by the very name carnival, which derives from the Latin “carnem levare” and means “to remove meat.”
In particular, the faithful, from the age of 18 until 60, must observe the ecclesiastical fast and abstinence from meat twice a year, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On Holy Saturday, these two obligations are recommended.
Fasting does not mean that one cannot eat anything. Only one meal is permitted during the day (without meat), with only a small amount of food at the other two meals.
Water and medicines may be taken freely. Exceptions are provided for particular personal and health situations.
Abstaining from meat, as is easy to understand, means not eating meat on Friday. This rule applies to every Friday except those on which a holy day of obligation falls, that is, one of the solemnities listed in the liturgical calendar.

How can we fast today?

Fasting is intended to help us break the chains of sin and foster communion with the Lord through listening to the Word, more intense prayer, and charity. Therefore, there can be countless ways to practice it beyond those offered by tradition. Just to offer a suggestion, we can fast from certain forms of social communication, starting with excessive use of mobile phones and social media. We can fast from smoking, television, and alcoholic beverages. In short, we can fast from anything that involves a sacrifice for us and therefore expresses our sincere desire for conversion.

This enables us to open ourselves to God and others by devoting more time to prayer and to truly arrive renewed to welcome the Risen One.