By XU Chaplaincy Office

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. Christians prepare by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline with the purpose of reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ — his suffering, sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). Fasting and abstinence are observed during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The faithful fast (having only one full meal a day and smaller snacks to keep up one's strength) and abstain from meat; on the other Fridays of Lent, the faithful abstain from meat.

People are still encouraged "to give up something" for Lent as a sacrifice. The practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Job 2:8, Daniel 9:3, and Matthew 11:21.

There are other rituals done during Lent. Here at Xavier University, we have the following activities and liturgies:

• Imposition of Ash after each mass on Ash Wednesday, Feb 10.
• Lenten Recollection at Science Center 106 from 5-7PM, Feb 10 to be facilitated by Rev Fr Jun Balsamo SSJV
• Penitential Service and Individual Confession at the University Church, 7:30PM in observance of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to be given by the Loyola House Jesuit Community, Feb 10.
• Stations of the Cross, every Friday of Lent, 5PM at the University Church and at 4PM on Good Friday at the University Grounds.
• Holy Week Triduum Retreat, March 24-26, University Church, with Rev Fr Arnel Aquino SJ as the retreat master
• The Xavier Stage presents “Ang Pasyon ni Hesukristo” at the XU Little Theatre during Holy Week.

In his Lenten message, Pope Francis writes: “Indifference to our neighbor and to God also represents a real temptation for us Christians. Each year during Lent we need to hear once more the voice of the prophets who cry out and trouble our conscience.”