From repentance to renewal: How Lenten devotionals guide your journey. Sundays during Lent.

The significance of Sundays during Lent: A time of worship, renewal, and resurrection joy

Lent is a solemn 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving observed by Christians worldwide in preparation for Easter. While the season emphasises penance and self-denial, Sundays during Lent hold a unique and sacred significance.

Unlike the other days of Lent, Sundays are not counted as part of the 40-day fast, and worshipers are not required to abstain or fast on these days. This exception stems from the theological, historical, and spiritual importance of Sundays as “mini-Easters”—celebrations of Christ’s resurrection that interrupt the penitential season with joy.

Get United’s best fares today on flights to Israel

Traveling Israel? Don’t miss United Airlines best fares Israel. Book your flight Israel today and fly for less.

In this article, we will explore:

Why Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent
Why fasting is not required on Sundays during Lent
The spiritual significance of each Sunday during Lent

Why Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent

The 40-day duration of Lent is symbolic, reflecting Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). However, if one counts the days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (excluding Sundays), the total is 46 days. This discrepancy arises because Sundays—the Lord’s Day—are always considered a celebration of the Resurrection, even during Lent.

Early Christian tradition, dating back to the 4th century, emphasised that every Sunday is a “little Easter”, a weekly remembrance of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) formalised Lenten practices, and by the Middle Ages, the Church had firmly established that Sundays were exempt from fasting. This practice underscores that while Lent is a time of repentance, Sundays remain joyful reminders of God’s grace and redemption.

Why fasting is not required on Sundays during Lent

Fasting—whether from food, certain luxuries, or habits—is a key Lenten discipline meant to foster spiritual growth. However, the Church has always taught that Sundays are not days of penance but of celebration. Here’s why:

The Resurrection takes precedence over penance – Since the earliest centuries of Christianity, Sunday has been set apart as the day of worship, commemorating Christ’s resurrection. Fasting on a Sunday would contradict its celebratory nature.

A foretaste of Easter joy – Lent prepares the faithful for Easter, and each Sunday offers a glimpse of the resurrection glory to come. Breaking the fast on Sundays reinforces hope and perseverance.

Historical and liturgical tradition – The Didache (1st-2nd century) instructed Christians to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays but never on Sundays. This distinction carried into Lenten observance.

Thus, while Lent encourages self-discipline, Sundays provide spiritual nourishment, allowing worshippers to rest in God’s grace before resuming their Lenten sacrifices.

The significance of each Sunday during Lent

Each Sunday during Lent has its own liturgical theme, Scripture readings, and spiritual focus. These Sundays guide believers through a journey of repentance, redemption, and anticipation of Easter.

1. First Sunday of Lent: The Temptation of Christ

Theme: Spiritual Warfare and Victory Over Sin
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus tempted in the desert)
This Sunday reminds Christians that, like Jesus, they will face trials but can overcome them through faith and Scripture. It sets the tone for Lent as a time of resisting temptation and drawing closer to God.

2. Second Sunday of Lent: The Transfiguration

Theme: Divine Glory and Preparation for the Cross
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (Jesus transfigured before Peter, James, and John)
The Transfiguration reveals Christ’s divine nature, offering hope that suffering (symbolised by Lent) leads to glory. It reassures believers that God’s plan culminates in resurrection.

3. Third Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday): Rejoicing in the midst of penance

Theme: Joyful Anticipation
Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42 (The Woman at the Well)
Known as Laetare Sunday (from Latin “Rejoice!”), this midpoint of Lent lightens the penitential mood with rose-coloured vestments and a message of God’s mercy. The story of the Samaritan woman emphasises Christ’s living water, offering spiritual renewal.

4. Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare or Mothering Sunday)

Theme: God’s Unconditional Love
Gospel Reading: John 9:1-41 (Healing of the Man Born Blind)
This Sunday highlights spiritual blindness and enlightenment. In some traditions, it is called Mothering Sunday, a day to honor the Church and maternal love, reflecting God’s nurturing care.

5. Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday)

Theme: The Approach of Christ’s Passion
Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45 (The Raising of Lazarus)
Marking the beginning of Passiontide, this Sunday foreshadows Jesus’ death and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus symbolises Christ’s power over death, preparing believers for Holy Week.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Theme: The Kingship and Suffering of Christ
Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (Jesus enters Jerusalem)
While technically the start of Holy Week, Palm Sunday blends celebration (with palm branches) and sorrow (reading the Passion narrative). It bridges Lent’s repentance with the coming sacrifice of Good Friday.

The easiest way to eat healthy.

Good-for-you groceries, simple recipes, recommended just for you.

A grocery trip in one click.

Fresh produce, premium proteins—we’ve got everything to keep your fridge full and taste buds happy.

Learn more

Sundays as beacons of hope in Lent

Sundays during Lent are not mere interruptions but divine appointments—opportunities to pause from fasting and rejoice in the Risen Lord. They remind Christians that Lent is not just about sorrow for sin but about preparing hearts for the joy of Easter. By exempting Sundays from fasting, the Church preserves their identity as Resurrection days, ensuring that even in a season of penance, hope remains alive.

As you journey through Lent, let each Sunday renew your spirit, strengthen your resolve, and deepen your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and victory. In the rhythm of fasting and feasting, we find the true meaning of Lent: a path from repentance to resurrection.

_________________________