The Lenten season is symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and where he was said to have been tempted by Satan.  It is a way for us to walk with Jesus during those 40 days. It is a time to reflect on our own lives and repent of those things in our lives that do not look like Jesus.  It is a reminder that there is hope beyond the grave.  One day a part of all of us will return to earth and yet the other part will live forever.

Because of the penitential character of the season of Lent, singing or saying the word “alleluia” has historically been suspended during Lent’s forty days.  The joyful nature of alleluia appropriately returns for the celebration of Easter.  The omission of alleluia during Lent goes back at least to the fifth century in the western
church. 

There are a number of important days in the season of Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter where we remember Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem before his death. We join the crowds on that day in celebrating that the king has come, but we also weep with Jesus knowing his death is coming soon.

Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter where remember what Jesus was doing before his crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of Holy Week where we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. At this meal Jesus gives us the sacrament of holy communion. It is also during this meal that Jesus give us the mandate (which is why we call it “maundy”) to love one another.

Good Friday is the Friday of Holy Week where we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. It is at the cross where we most clearly see the co-suffering, self-giving love of God.

Holy Saturday is the Saturday of Holy Week where we remember the death of Jesus. He died a real human death and lay life-less in the tomb all day on Saturday.