Millions of Christians of different denominations and from all over the world will soon be undertaking an important period of self-reflection through the 40 days of Lent.
Lent commemorates the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ and it is a time where his followers look more closely at their lives, actions and motives, acknowledge their failings, and ask for forgiveness. Prayer, the giving of alms, and fasting are the three key aspects of this important time of self-reflection and penance.
Fasting for Lent
Traditionally, Lent is a time where Christians abstain from certain foods such as eggs, meat, and fish in recognition of the sacrifice made by Jesus when he fasted in the desert for 40 days.
Today, with almost all meat, fish, dairy, and eggs coming from highly exploitative intensive farms, which cause great harm to the environment and climate, it is perhaps more important than ever to consider our diet during this time of reflection.
In his Laudato si’, Pope Francis wrote: “The Catechism firmly states that human power has limits and that ‘it is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly’”. He also talks about care for the vulnerable, concern for God’s creation, the desperate problems of environmental degradation, and the “urgent challenge to protect our common home”.
These are issues which Christians of all denominations consider, and all of these issues come together in our choices of food.
Lenten Fasting
Omitting flesh from animals from our diets along with their milk and eggs reminds us of the beauty and connectedness of our lives. This is because when we spare an animal from suffering and slaughter, we are also making choices that are kinder for the planet and ourselves. In showing compassion and mercy, in acting out of love, we heal our souls and strengthen our connection to our faith.
Free 7-Day Spirituality Course for Lent
We have produced a free short course to help guide you through some of the issues we may choose to reflect upon during Lent: love, compassion, altruism, awe, wisdom, truth and forgiveness. The course invites us to contemplate what these mean to us and how we can live more in line with our values.
Lenten Recipes
There are many delicious recipes meat-free available for Lent, and here are a few you may like to try:
Further Reading for Lent
- What Is Lent and What Has It To Do With Animals? – The Revd John Ryder
- Lent: Reorienting Ourselves Around the Treasure of Creation – The Revd Janey Hiller
- Were Animals Given to Us to Eat? – Alicia Griggs
- What Did Jesus Think About Animals? – Daryl Booth
