Lastly, all persons were prohibited from marrying during Lent, which c — Lent

"When you get a hankering to talk or complain about what you gave up for Lent, replace that hankering by speaking the word of God. For all the times you would have done the activity that you gave up for Lent, replace it by reading the word of God. Christians should always be drawing closer to God. So during this season dont be so impressed with what you have done for God, rather take this time to reflect on the only sacrifice that really matters - the one made by Jesus on the cross. Use this Lent season differently than you have in the past, make it a time to learn how you can better serve God with your life."

"For Christians, Lent is traditionally the forty-day period that starts with Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.It is a time for fasting and penance, and one is required to eat sparingly during the entire period, except for Sundays. In 1996, however, Pope Paul VI relaxed these rules, after which fasting and abstinence were only obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The observance of fasting and self-denial during Lent differs in the Protestant and Anglican churches, whose emphasis primarily on penitence."

"Lent is the time of our lives where we are most especially called to reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves, how much do we thirst for an intimate relationship with our loving Jesus who is just waiting for us to respond to His love? It is the time that we must deeply ponder how much do we thirst for a life that is life-giving to others?"

"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. And why should there be a reward from God when the reward received was attention from man? What we do when giving up anything for Lent is unto God."

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

"The Lenten Blessing — A Franciscan Benediction May God bless you with Discomfort… at easy answers, half–truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with Anger… at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with Tears… to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness… to believe that you can make a difference in their world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen."