fromthe heart said:
I was wondering if those who Do partcipate in these rituals would care to share with us the reason you do this and when it begins/ends and what the rules are so we can all have a better understanding of what Lent means to each of us??? A lot of folks do not choose to follow these things but for those who haven't that would like to be more scriptural in doing it please tell us details if you will? I understand there are a lot of differing opinions on this as there is in every other view of Scripture.
The rules change
. It depends on the priest, bishop, culture, etc. By and large, there is no meat, cheese (or the related), fish, oils (I tend to regard it as cooking oils), or alchohol. None of these, though, are absolute, and any given one can change. Some people only do no meat, others do all that and more. It's a personal matter between the believer, his priest, and God.
The fast begins forty days before Easter to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection. When Easter comes, the release of the fast causes palpable joy in those who participate. Lent, itself, is simply an Old English word that means "spring" (from lencten), hence "the spring fast" from when England was Orthodox.
More importantly, our passions separate us from God and change our perception of Him. By limiting them, we learn not to sin, and if done in a spirit of love, learn humility and love when addressing others.
Lent isn't a Scriptural practice. It arose after the time of the New Testament, but it is a tradition tied to Easter, another extra-biblical tradition. Scriptural rules intersect that we should not judge another's fasting practices and not make a show of it.
Vic: I think this addresses your point as well. I'll definately pray for everyone on the fast