By Jacob Peenikaparambil

Indore, Feb 25, 2026: Many religions observe dedicated periods of fasting, reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal. In Islam, it is Ramadan; in Christianity, Lent; in Judaism, Yom Kippur. Hinduism also has numerous fasting observances such as Ekadashi, Navratri, Shivaratri, and Karva Chauth.

What is common to all these practices is an emphasis on self-discipline, purification, deeper spiritual focus, compassion, empathy, charitable action, and community bonding.

The expected spiritual fruits of these observances include growth in self-control, forgiveness, reconciliation with God and fellow human beings, and detachment from excessive attachment to material possessions.

Christians around the world observe Lent during the forty days preceding Easter. It is characterized by fasting, abstinence, special prayers, and acts of charity. The tradition evolved from shorter pre-Easter fasts in the early Church into a forty-day observance by the fourth century. Initially, Lent served as a period of preparation for catechumens who were to be baptized at Easter, as well as a time of public penance for those seeking reconciliation.

The forty days symbolize the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, as well as the biblical experiences of Moses and Elijah. According to the Gospel of Matthew (4:1–2), Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to fast and pray before beginning his public ministry.

A careful reading of the Gospels makes it clear that Jesus emphasized interior transformation reflected in one’s relationship with God and with others. He was critical of external displays of fasting and prayer performed for public recognition, even though he strongly encouraged prayer as a means of deepening one’s relationship with God.

In Matthew 6:5, Jesus warns against praying publicly for show in synagogues and on street corners. Instead, he teaches that prayer should be a private encounter with the Father, carried out in one’s “inner room.” Likewise, he instructs that when fasting, a person should appear normal—anointing the head and washing the face—so that the practice remains a sincere offering to God rather than a display before others.

Jesus began his public mission with the clarion call: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). In the biblical sense, repentance signifies a radical change of mind, perspective, direction, and relationships. It is nothing less than a transformative renewal of one’s entire being.

The teachings of Jesus are beautifully summarized in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7). The core moral and ethical values emphasized there include righteousness and integrity, selfless and unconditional love, humility and meekness, forgiveness and reconciliation, the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—and a life of simplicity and trust in God.

Lent, therefore, is a time for followers of Jesus to examine themselves: To what extent are they living these core spiritual values? It is a season to acknowledge failures, make necessary corrections, and recommit to authentic discipleship. External observances such as fasting, abstinence, and prayer are meaningful only insofar as they foster genuine interior transformation and growth in these moral and spiritual values.

The practical expression of such inner conversion is illustrated in the Gospel of Luke (3:10–14). When people asked John the Baptist what they should do, he responded with concrete instructions.

To the crowd he said, “Whoever has two tunics must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” This is a direct call to share one’s resources with those in need.

In a world where more than 700 million people suffer from chronic hunger, the problem is not primarily the lack of food but the failure to distribute and share it equitably. Over the past sixty years, global agricultural production has increased approximately three-and-a-half to four times, while the world’s population has grown about 2.6 times. The issue is not scarcity alone, but justice and solidarity.

To tax collectors John said, “Collect no more than you are authorized.” This instruction condemns exploitation—not only economic or financial exploitation, but any abuse of power for personal gain. One of the gravest forms of exploitation today is human trafficking for forced labour and sexual abuse, which continues to victimize millions across the world. Growing in sensitivity, compassion and justice seems to be the remedy for exploitation.

To soldiers he advised, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages.” This is a warning against the misuse of authority. Authority, in various forms, is entrusted to many: parents over children, teachers over students, political leaders over citizens, and religious leaders over the faithful. The temptation to misuse authority for self-aggrandizement is ever present, and history repeatedly shows the damage caused when authority is abused. If authority is accepted as an opportunity for service, as taught by Jesus, one can resist misuse of it.

In summary, for followers of Jesus, Lent is an invitation to profound introspection leading to self-correction and genuine transformation. It calls for turning away from egoism, exploitation, and the abuse of authority, and turning toward the core moral and spiritual values taught by Christ. Prayer, fasting, and abstinence are not ends in themselves; they are means—sacred disciplines intended to cultivate a renewed heart and a transformed life.