The history of Lent you never knew...

Summary

In this episode of *Shameless Poperri*, Joe Heshmire delves into the true history of Lent, exploring its origins, spiritual practices, and evolution. He explains that Lent’s primary focus is on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, rooted in early Christian traditions before Easter and baptism. Over time, the 40-day fast became standardized in the Church, deeply connected to the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. This video provides an insightful look at the biblical and historical significance of Lent, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the season's purpose and how it connects to early Church practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, not just giving up food or comforts like chocolate or pizza.
• 😀 Jesus emphasized prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as essential spiritual practices, as seen in Matthew 6.
• 😀 The tradition of fasting before Easter, known as the Pascal fast, dates back to the 2nd century, with variations in duration across different Christian communities.
• 😀 Early Christians also fasted before baptisms, a practice recorded in ancient documents like the Didascalia and writings of St. Justin Martyr.
• 😀 The 40-day length of Lent is tied to biblical practices, especially Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert, and has roots in both pre-Easter fasting and baptismal preparations.
• 😀 St. Irenaeus, writing in the 2nd century, connects the fasting practices to the apostles, suggesting that the tradition is apostolic in origin.
• 😀 Fasting during Lent wasn't always 40 days; it evolved over time, with different churches adopting longer fasts and eventually standardizing the 40-day period.
• 😀 The 40-day Lent mirrors the purification and preparation process, similar to how ancient Israel prepared for significant events like Passover.
• 😀 Tertullian, in the 3rd century, connected the pre-Easter fasting with the baptismal practice, emphasizing a time of prayer, confession, and spiritual preparation.
• 😀 By the 4th century, the 40-day fasting period became standardized across Christian communities, as seen in the letters of Athanasius and other early church leaders.
• 😀 The early church believed that fasting was a communal act, not just a personal choice, and was a part of the whole Christian community's preparation for major spiritual events.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Lenten season according to the script?

The primary focus of Lent is on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, not just giving up things like chocolate or pizza. These practices are meant to help individuals spiritually prepare for Easter.

Why is Lent not just about giving things up?

Lent is about engaging in three key spiritual practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are intended to help individuals grow spiritually and prepare for Easter, rather than focusing only on personal sacrifices.

What were some early Christian practices associated with fasting before Easter?

Early Christians practiced a variety of fasting methods before Easter, including fasting for one day, two days, or even 40 hours. This fasting tradition is believed to have originated from the apostles, and it was linked to the observance of Passover.

What does the letter from St. Irenaeus of Lyon reveal about the early Christian fasting traditions?

St. Irenaeus's letter reveals that there was significant variation in the duration and manner of fasting before Easter among early Christians. Despite these differences, all Christians were united in their faith.

How does the Jewish tradition of fasting relate to the Christian tradition of fasting before Easter?

The Jewish tradition of fasting before Passover, which involves fasting until the evening meal, likely influenced the Christian practice of fasting before Easter, as Easter itself evolved from the Jewish Passover.

What is the connection between baptism and fasting in early Christianity?

Early Christians practiced fasting before baptism as a way to prepare spiritually for the sacrament. This fasting, sometimes lasting one or two days, was mandatory for those being baptized and encouraged for others in the community.

What is the significance of fasting in the context of baptism, as described by Tertullian?

Tertullian highlights that fasting before baptism is important for spiritual purification. He also draws a parallel between the baptism of Jesus and the 40-day fast he undertook in the desert, encouraging those about to be baptized to engage in prayer and fasting.

How did the duration of the Lenten fast evolve over time?

Initially, the Lenten fast was much shorter and more intense, often lasting just one or two days. Over time, various Christian communities lengthened the fast to 40 days, likely influenced by the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert.

Why is the number 40 significant in the context of Lent?

The number 40 is significant because it represents a biblical period of preparation, notably the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. This number became central to the Lenten fast, symbolizing a time of spiritual preparation and purification.

What was the role of St. Athanasius in the development of the Lenten fast?

St. Athanasius played a key role in standardizing the 40-day Lenten fast across Christian communities. In his letters, he emphasized the importance of the 40-day fast as a preparation for Easter, connecting it to biblical tradition and the purification process.