The Lenten season is upon us, and with it, many traditions. For instance, though Lent is 40 days, echoing Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, the actual number of days until Easter is 46. But the six Sundays, with the celebration of Eucharist echoing Resurrection, traditionally have been considered days on which fasting is not appropriate, so Lent runs Monday to Saturday (six days) for six weeks, and when you add the first four days, from Ash Wednesday to Saturday, the total is 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. Traditions abound. Another example: The ashes used on Ash Wednesday were made from palm branches blessed in previous years on Palm Sunday. Cherish the traditions handed down to you.

“Reprinted with permission from PrepareTheWord.com”