Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM FEBRUARY 15 - 14, 2023 UCW 19 Each year Christians embark on spiritual journeys that culminate with Easter celebrations. Easter is preceded by a period of six weeks that begins on Ash Wednesday in Western churches and ends the ursday before Easter Sunday. In Eastern churches only, Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter and ends on the Friday nine days before Easter. During Lent, some Christians participate in fasting, repentance, self-denial, spiritual discipline and other preparations for Easter. According to the resource Learn Religions, the Lenten season was established to serve as a time for re- flection on Jesus Christ, particularly to be more aware of His suffering and sacrifice. On Ash Wednesday, some Chris- tians mark their foreheads with ashes made from palm fronds, as symbols of sorrow and mourning for their sins. Periods of fasting and abstinence also are part of Lenten observances. e fasting likely serves as an imita- tion of Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness for 40 days and nights before beginning his public min- istry. During that time, Christ was tempted by Satan and wrestled with temptation. During Lent, individuals also prepare simple meals and avoid in- gredients that would be considered luxurious. In accordance with that, Fridays during Lent are set aside as meat-free (including poultry) since meat long has been considered an indulgence. Furthermore, people often "give up" something they enjoy, whether it's sweets, alcohol or celebra- tory behaviors. For some, Sundays throughout Lent are excluded from the fasting and abstinence require- ments because they are times to enjoy Mass, which is a celebration. erefore, if one gave up chocolate for Lent, he or she can enjoy it on Sunday. Lent is supposed to be a time of repentance, but not shame. Instead, sinners seek cleansing from their sins and contemplate what the Lord did when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Protestants also take part in Lent, but Catholic churches are particu- larly associated with the more well- known Lenten requirements. Parishioners may notice that Mass is different during Lent. e Gloria, a prayer normally used after the penitential rite near the beginning of the service, is omitted. Further- more, suppression of the word "Al- leluia" also occurs, and any hymns containing the word "Alleluia" are avoided. In 2023, among Western church- es, Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 22 and ends on ursday, April 6. Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, April 9. During Lent, some Christians participate in fasting, repentance, self-denial, spiritual disci- pline and other preparations for Easter. FAITH Follow Us Today! Stay up to date on all the Up & Coming Events in Cumberland County and surrounding areas! LIKE Contributing Writers Wanted Join the Up & Coming Weekly team Use your creative talents to promote community events (people, concerts, theater, festivals, sports, etc.) Basic writing and interviewing skills needed Intern opportunities available for college students Contact editor@upandcomingweekly.com (910) 484-6200 SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH YOUR COMMUNITY! Lent begins the Easter season for Christians a STAFF REPORT