A Preacher’s Guide to Lent: History and the Sunday readings

As “Preach” begins its Lent 2026 series, Ricardo da Silva, S.J. sits down with liturgical theologian Anne McGowan to ask a foundational question: what is Lent for — and how do these practices reshape our faith, not just our habits for six weeks? Together, they trace its history from a two-day fast in the early Church to the 40-day season we know today, and explore its theological arc in the Sunday lectionary—from temptation and transfiguration to water, light and life, and finally the passion that leads into Easter, where new Christians are baptised and the faithful renew their baptismal promises.

0:00 Introducing the Lent 2026 series

2:30 Meet Anne McGowan: why she loves the liturgical year

6:20 You can’t understand Lent without Easter

8:10 The history of Lent: from two days to 40 days before Easter

10:40 Lent: a season of challenge and joy

15:05 Compunction and joy: do we have to choose?

20:55 The Sundays of Lent explained: from temptation to the passion

31:13 Preaching the whole journey of Lent

34:49 Preaching more than just the Sunday readings this Lent

36:22 How to come alive this Lent

A Preacher’s Guide to Holy Week: These are long liturgies. Be brief!

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