Lent began in the apostolic era and was universal in the ancient church. This perhaps explains why it is traditionally observed mainly by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. It is a period of fasting, moderation, self-denial and introspection.

The severity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1-3; Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3).

It is six weeks of self-discipline that began with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday.

In the New Testament, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness-a period of testing and preparation between his baptism and his ministry. And so the choice of a 40-day period has some Biblical significance as an appropriate amount of time to prepare.

The Lord’s 40 days of fasting marked the beginning of His ministry while His resurrection ended it which is way too apart. So why is lent observed before Easter?

Reverend Erisa Mutabazi, of St. Etienne Cathedral says that for those who observe lent, it is a time to prepare for the victory that comes with forgiveness.

"Lent precedes the cross because we know that His forgiveness and grace is not freely given but there was a price which was His suffering. The victory after the cross is what we get after forgiveness. The cross is the response while the resurrection is the victory,” he says.

Christians understand Lent to be a season of spiritual preparation and a quieter time of getting ready for the joyful celebration of Easter. The key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God.

"Lent encapsulates Christianity as a religion. Without the crucifixion, there would be no Christianity. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.”

Repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the 40 days of Lent,” says Maria Mukandituye of the catholic faith.

Pastor Emmanuel Karegyesa of Eglise Anglican Au Rwanda (EAR) says that the period is a doctrine of Christian spirituality, self denial expression of fighting temptation and putting God first.

"During this period, it is important to portray God’s love by doing well to others. It is an expression of focus on God and prayer. Food should not be the main point but, but rather the act of denying self something in reference to God,” he says.

"Lent is a good Christian practice and not a commandment in the Bible but for every Christian that wants to grow spiritually, and spend more quality with God, they will fast. It is time to repent in remembrance that we are humans who are mortal,” Reverend Mutabazi says.

With our busy schedules, we sometimes don’t get the time for introspection which is why lent is very important to reflect on our souls.

Pastor Karegyesa says that it does not profit one to fast while doing the wrong things while fasting. While fasting, make Christ the centre and put your life right with him.

Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly.

"When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18).