The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word læncte, meaning “spring, springtime, or lengthening.” It’s the time of year when the days are getting longer and the darkness is slowly retreating.  Lent is the 40-day period of the Church’s liturgical calendar beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter (not including Sundays). This duration reminds us of and reflects the 40-day fast and temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-2; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-2).  Lent is to Good Friday and Easter what Advent is to Christmas. Just as Advent prepares us for the birth/arrival of our...