When we think of Lent, we normally think of giving things up and fasting. While these are an important part of Lent, they are only really means to an end. You see the entire origin of the season of Lent is all about baptism.
In the early church, as adult converts presented themselves for baptism, it was obvious that they needed a period of preparation. Thus the period called the catechumenate was born. One might spend several years as a catechumen, but the preparation culminated in 40 days of intense preparation leading up to Easter and baptism. It didn’t take long before even those who had already been baptized realized that it would be helpful for everyone to prepare for Easter this way.
Baptism is the most important moment in our lives. It is then that we are saved, as St. Peter makes clear in today’s second reading. 40 days from now, on Easter, the priest will stand up and ask you to “renew the promises you made in holy baptism.” Will you be ready? Do you even know what those are? Well, the good news is that you’ve got some time to get ready… and that’s what Lent is all about.