Catholic Answers Live #12597 Is Lent Biblical? Tradition, Saints, and Witnessing Others - Tim Staples
Feb 19, 2026
Tim Staples, senior apologist and author known for clear Catholic defenses, discusses whether Lent is rooted in Scripture and tradition. He traces the practice’s forty-day origins, explains why Alleluia is omitted during Lent, and tackles questions about God’s will, the fate of Protestants, Scottish saints, and how to witness to others with charity.
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Lent’s Biblical Roots And Ecclesial Authority
- Lent is rooted in biblical 40-day traditions like Moses, Elijah, and Christ's fast, but Scripture doesn't mandate a formal 40-day Lenten fast.
- The Church exercises authority to bind such practices, grounding Lent in both Scripture and ecclesial tradition.
Early Church Binding Decrees
- Acts 15 shows the early Church imposing binding disciplinary and dietary decrees for unity and holiness.
- Tim uses this to illustrate that Church-decreed practices can be authoritative and necessary for believers.
Trust God’s Providential Plan
- God wills that we not sin and gave humanity freedom, which makes sin possible and meaningful.
- Trust God's providential plan: He foreknew the fall and prepared Christ's redemption as the remedy.
