One of the great conflicts I have had as a Catholic is wanting to live Advent like Lent and to be honest I have never been able to do it, although I know that they are times with different purposes, I have not been able to understand their way of living. That is why I set myself the task of researching the 4 differences between the two seasons of preparation. I invite you to grab a delicious coffee and warm bread and enjoy these fun facts.
1. Hope and conversion
Both are times of preparation, but if we focus on going deeper into each season. In Advent, we focus on living the hope of Christ’s coming, while in Lent, we focus on living a life of conversion for our sins through penance and prayer.
2. Duration and structure
The Lenten season is 40 days long, resembling the 40 days Jesus lived in the wilderness, and this time is structured according to the lunar calendar, making Easter always on a Sunday. In Advent the length of days is variable, as Christmas is always on the 25th of December and Advent starts on the first Sunday of December, making it last between 3 and 4 weeks.
3. Ways of Living
The season of Advent focuses on prayer and hope, with the Advent Wreath as a rite. Lent begins with the rite of the imposition of ashes, which is a rite that dates back to the Old Testament. It also begins with fasting on Ash Wednesday and abstinence on every Friday.
4. Time to prepare for something more
Lent prepares us to live the Paschal Triduum: the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to live like Christ at all times and Advent prepares us to receive Jesus from his birth by inviting us to have a spirit of vigil, embracing our spiritual poverty and being attentive to the gifts that God places in our lives allowing us to see Christ daily in our lives.
Both seasons prepare us to understand the mystery of salvation. I hope this information will enable you to live the seasons in order, formation and spirituality. If you know of other interesting facts I invite you to share them in the comments.
Davidtarin
