Lenten Reflection: Catholic Practices, Jewish Roots

Many traditional Catholic Lenten practices, including ashes and fasting, can be traced to Jewish penitential practices, explained Monsignor Ronald Browne, spiritual advisor to the Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit.

Speaking at CLSMD’s “Lenten Reflection” on Ash Wednesday, Msgr. Browne noted that wearing ashes was a sign of mourning and repentance in the ancient Jewish world. Similarly, fasting was part of preparations for important Jewish feast days, such as Passover and Yom Kippur.

Other aspects of Lent draw on Jewish tradition and Holy Scripture, including the 40 days of Lent. The number 40 occurs repeatedly in the Old Testament in connection with periods of testing and repentance, including the story of Noah and the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert. Jesus' 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert would have resonated powerfully with early Jewish Christians who would have recalled how Moses and Elijah also fasted for 40 days. 

The “Lenten Reflection” followed the 12:15 p.m. Mass at Old St. Mary’s Church in Greektown, celebrated by Msgr. Browne and attended by members of CLSMD.

In addition to its annual "Lenten Reflection," the Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit holds an "Advent Reflection" every year.