SANDIE SALAS & KATELYN ALVAREZ: Hey guys welcome back to two girls and one mic with Sandie and Katelyn.
ALVAREZ: Now that Valentine’s day is over, we are now in the middle of Lent, which means we’re getting ready for Easter!
SALAS: Which brings us to our next podcast topic, Lent and Easter!
SALAS & ALVAREZ: Welcome to our third podcast, what is Lent and Easter?
SALAS: So, I’ve been thinking a lot about Lent lately. Like, why is Lent actually 40 days long? I know there has to be a reason for it.
ALVAREZ: Oh, yeah! It’s because 40 has such a big meaning in the Bible. Like, Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before he got the Ten Commandments, and then, of course, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before starting his ministry. So, Lent is like our 40-day time of preparation, where we reflect and get ready for Easter.
SALAS: Oh, that makes sense! It’s like a time to align ourselves with what Jesus went through – that time of fasting and temptation. I love that it’s about more than just giving up something, but preparing spiritually, you know?
ALVAREZ: Yeah, exactly! And it’s not just about giving something up like candy or social media. It’s really about practicing self-denial to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. That’s why it’s so meaningful.
SALAS: Totally. And speaking of Lent, let’s talk about Ash Wednesday for a second. I feel like it’s such a significant day to start this journey.
ALVAREZ: Oh, definitely. It’s such a humbling experience, You go to church, and you get the ashes in the shape of a cross on your forehead. It’s a reminder of our need for repentance and conversion. Like, it’s the start of this time when we intentionally turn our hearts back to God. It always feels like a fresh start for me.
SALAS: Yeah, it’s that moment of saying, “Okay, I’m ready to grow spiritually during Lent.” It’s almost like hitting the reset button for our soul.
ALVAREZ: Exactly. And then as we get closer to Easter, we enter Holy Week. That’s always a big deal. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday. That’s when we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people were waving palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!” – welcoming Him like a king.
SALAS: I love Palm Sunday. It feels so festive. But it’s also bittersweet because we know what’s coming. Jesus knows he’s walking into his final week.
ALVAREZ: Exactly. After Palm Sunday, we have Holy Monday. On this day, we remember when Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem and was really upset by what he saw. People were treating the temple like a market, and Jesus flipped over tables. He was like, “This is a house of prayer, not a den of thieves!” and to be honest that’s some serious anger that he had.
SALAS: Yeah it’s like really powerful. And then we get to Holy Tuesday, where things really start to get intense. Jesus tells his disciples about the betrayals to come – like Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. The tension is building up.
ALVAREZ: It’s wild how much pressure Jesus was under. Then comes Spy Wednesday, when Judas makes the deal with the high priests to betray Jesus. He agrees to hand him over for thirty pieces of silver. It’s a tough day to remember because it’s all about betrayal.
SALAS: Yeah, Spy Wednesday is a heavy one. And then we come to Holy Thursday, which is like one of the most significant days. It’s the day of the Last Supper. Where Jesus shares this final meal with his disciples, and for the first time he institutes the Eucharist – which, for us Catholics, is such a big deal.
ALVAREZ: And it doesn’t stop there. Holy Thursday is also when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. It’s a moment that shows his humility. He wanted to teach them that true greatness is about serving others. It’s also when he goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, knowing what’s ahead.
SALAS: That night, he got arrested I think? Yeah and then Good Friday happens, the day we remember Jesus’ crucifixion. Which is like the ultimate sacrifice, and we spend the day reflecting on his suffering and death. That’s the heart of Passion.
ALVAREZ: It’s such a grave day. But then, after Good Friday, we get to Holy Saturday. It’s a day of waiting and silence, remembering when Jesus’ body was in the tomb. For me, it’s almost like we’re holding our breath, waiting for the joy of Easter Sunday.
SALAS: Yes And finally it’s Easter Sunday which is such a big day! Jesus rises from the dead. And the victory over death, the celebration of a new life! Everything changes in that moment. It’s the day we’ve all been preparing for during Lent.
ALVAREZ: Yeah! It’s the day that gives us all hope, the resurrection that defines our faith. It’s not just a day, though; it kicks off the Easter season, which lasts for 50 days, celebrating the risen Christ!
SALAS: And there’s joy in every moment of it. It’s like the entire church shifts from like sorrow to celebration, and we get to bask in the light of Easter for weeks to come.
ALVAREZ: Yes, I love that! Easter isn’t just one day – it’s a season. And it’s so special to celebrate together as a community. Oh, and speaking of celebrating, let’s talk about our own Lent practices.
SALAS: Yeah, did you give up anything for lent?
ALVAREZ: Yeah I did, I gave up candy. It’s hard, but I feel like it really helps me stay focused and remind myself of why I’m doing this in the first place. What about you?
SALAS: I gave up AirPods and chips – and also my usual music for the time being. It’s a way of disconnecting from distractions and being more present with God. And we’re also trying to fast on Fridays, avoiding meat and not eating until after twelve.
ALVAREZ: I love that we’re able to do that together during school. And It feels like we’re truly participating in the season and aligning ourselves with what Jesus went through.
SALAS: Exactly! It’s all about preparing our hearts for Easter and when Easter comes, it’s like we’ve already been through this time of growth, reflection, and purification. It makes the celebration feel that much sweeter.
ALVAREZ: I couldn’t agree more and it’s so important to remember that Lent is all about more than just giving things up – it’s about drawing closer to God, giving more of ourselves to him, and getting ready for the most important day of all: Easter.
SALAS: Amen to that. So, let’s wrap up with a quick reflection – why do we even do Lent before Easter?
ALVAREZ: Lent is our time of preparation. It mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, fasting and being tempted. It’s about repentance, reflection, and getting ready for the ultimate celebration of the resurrection.
SALAS: And Easter itself is the celebration of Jesus’ victory over death. It’s the foundation of our faith. Without the resurrection, everything else wouldn’t even really matter.
ALVAREZ: That’s why Easter is such a big deal! It’s the day that changed everything. And honestly, it’s a day worth celebrating for 50 days!
SALAS: I’m all in for that. And of course, let’s not forget the fun part – the Easter Bunny! It’s funny how this symbol of a new life and fertility can become a big part of the celebration. It’s all about joy, abundance, and the fresh start of spring.
ALVAREZ: Exactly! Whether we’re hunting for eggs or celebrating with family, Easter is a time for joy and hope. What do you usually do for Easter?
SALAS: I normally go to church bright and early in the morning and then I’ll probably hang out at the park or spend time with my family at my grandma’s house. What about you?
ALVAREZ: Actually I do something really similar too. Like obviously Easter has changed over time because we’ve grown up. But I still go to church. I still spend time also at my grandma’s house, and I just get to reunite with my family!
SALAS: I love it!
SALAS: As we wrap up today’s episode, just a quick reminder—Lent isn’t about giving up chocolate or social media. It’s about slowing down, reflecting, and getting our hearts ready for Easter.
ALVAREZ: Exactly! It’s a time to really think about what Jesus went through, and it’s honestly such a beautiful way to prepare for the celebration of Easter. It makes the joy of that day even sweeter.
SALAS: And whether you’re fasting, praying, or just trying to be more present, we hope that this season brings you a little peace and a lot of growth.
ALVAREZ: So, here’s to all the little changes that bring us closer to God—and to the big celebration when Easter finally arrives!
SALAS & ALVAREZ: Thanks for tuning in, this is 2 Girls and One Mic signing off. Happy Lent and Happy Easter, everyone!
