Lent is observed in many Christian denominations, beginning on Clean Monday in the East and Ash Wednesday in the West. The approximately six-week period is a time of spiritual preparation for commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus on Easter (Pascha). Common practices during Lent include increased prayer and church attendance, abstinence, fasting, and almsgiving.
In his monastic rule, Saint Benedict instructed monks and nuns to read a book during Lent:
“During the days of Lent, they (monastics) should be free in the morning to read until the third hour… each one is to receive a book from the library, and is to read the whole of it straight through.”
Saint Jerome suggested that when we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us.
Regarding spiritual reading, Saint John Chrysostom wrote:
“When you immerse your mind and heart in spiritual books, you will always be filled, for spiritual reading gives you a foundation in God” (Third Homily on Lazarus).
May all of your Lenten observances be blessed and fruitful!
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