Does Lent end on Holy Thursday?

Holidays & Special Events

By Kristy Tolley

The Lenten Season

Lent is a period of solemn observance and reflection for Christians, especially those in the Catholic Church. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and giving alms to the poor, which lasts for forty days and culminates in the celebration of Easter, the most important feast in the Christian calendar. During this time, Christians are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and repent of their sins.

Holy Week and its Significance

Holy Week is the most solemn period of the liturgical year, marking the final days of Lent and the beginning of the Easter Triduum. It begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and concludes with the celebration of Easter, marking his resurrection from the dead. During this week, Christians are invited to walk with Jesus on his journey to the cross, to reflect on his passion and death, and to experience the joy of his resurrection.

What is Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is the Thursday before Easter, and marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum. It commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and gave them a new commandment to "love one another as I have loved you." Holy Thursday also marks the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist, two sacraments that are central to the Catholic faith.

The Triduum: Three Days of Observance

The Easter Triduum is a period of three days, beginning with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, continuing with the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and concluding with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. These three days are considered the most important and solemn days of the liturgical year, during which Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Does Lent End on Holy Thursday?

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it depends on how one defines "ending" Lent. Some argue that Lent concludes on Holy Thursday evening, while others believe that it ends on Holy Saturday before the Easter Vigil.

The Debate: Yes vs. No

Those who argue that Lent ends on Holy Thursday evening point to the fact that the Easter Triduum is a separate liturgical celebration and that Lenten disciplines, such as fasting, cease during this time. They also note that the liturgical color changes from purple to white on Holy Thursday, symbolizing the transition from the penitential season of Lent to the celebration of the resurrection.

Others argue that Lent does not end until Holy Saturday before the Easter Vigil, as this is the time when the Church waits in anticipation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They point to the fact that the Triduum is one continuous celebration, and that the Easter Vigil is the culmination of the entire season, including Lent.

The Catholic Church’s Stance

The Catholic Church has not issued an official statement on when Lent ends, leaving the decision up to individual dioceses and parishes. However, the Church does emphasize the importance of the Easter Triduum as a separate liturgical celebration, and encourages Catholics to participate fully in its observance.

The Role of Holy Thursday in Lent

Regardless of whether one believes that Lent ends on Holy Thursday, there is no denying the significance of this day in the Lenten season. Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, during which Catholics are called to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to deepen their relationship with God. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and renewal of one’s commitment to the Catholic faith.

The Final Days of Lent

Whether one considers Lent to end on Holy Thursday or Holy Saturday, the final days of the season are a time for reflection and preparation for the joy of Easter. Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass and participate in the Triduum, to receive the sacraments of confession and the Eucharist, and to give alms to the poor.

Conclusion: The Meaning of Lent

Regardless of one’s personal beliefs about when Lent ends, the season is a time of spiritual growth and reflection for Catholics. It is a time to deepen one’s relationship with God, to repent of one’s sins, and to prepare for the joy of Easter. By participating in the Lenten disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Catholics can draw closer to God and experience the true meaning of the season.

FAQs: Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the Easter Triduum?
A: The Easter Triduum is a period of three days, beginning with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, continuing with the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and concluding with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Q: When does Lent end?
A: The answer to this question is a matter of debate. Some argue that Lent ends on Holy Thursday, while others believe that it ends on Holy Saturday before the Easter Vigil.

Q: What is the significance of Holy Thursday?
A: Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. It also marks the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist.

Further Resources for Your Lenten Journey

For further information on the Lenten season and the Easter Triduum, please visit the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at www.usccb.org.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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