Q 01/05

The forty days of Lent echo which episode from the gospels?

A) The forty years in the wilderness

B) The forty days of the flood

C) Jesus fasting in the desert

D) The forty days after the resurrection

Answer · why

C) Jesus fasting in the desert

The same number appears in the fasts of Moses and Elijah. All three fasts are described as preparation for their work.

Q 02/05

Where does the name of the season come from?

A) A Latin term for forty

B) An Old English term for spring

C) A Greek term for fasting

D) A Hebrew term for ashes

Answer · why

B) An Old English term for spring

The word is lencten. It may refer to the lengthening of the days at that time of year.

Q 03/05

Why are Sundays not counted as fasting days in Lent?

A) They are the Lord's Day

B) They fall outside the season

C) They are feast days of saints

D) Church law forbids it

Answer · why

A) They are the Lord's Day

Every Sunday is treated as a small Easter. That is why the calendar count comes out at more than forty days.

Q 04/05

In Roman Catholic practice, when does Lent end?

A) On Easter morning

B) At midnight on Good Friday

C) At noon on Holy Saturday

D) On the evening of Holy Thursday

Answer · why

D) On the evening of Holy Thursday

The Mass of the Lord's Supper marks the point. Many Protestant and Western Orthodox traditions run it to Holy Saturday evening instead.

Q 05/05

What are the three traditional pillars of Lent?

A) Silence, study and service

B) Confession, penance and pilgrimage

C) Prayer, fasting and almsgiving

D) Vigil, sacrifice and charity

Answer · why

C) Prayer, fasting and almsgiving

They are meant to be taken up with renewed vigour for the season. Giving something up is a later popular addition.

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