A reverend has highlighted a frequent error made by those observing Lent, reminding Christians that Sundays should be exempt from fasting or giving up luxuries. Reverend Andy Fitchet, Minister of the Methodist Churches in Andover and Hungerford, shared a TikTok video explaining that Lent covers 46 days including Sundays, but the traditional 40-day fast excludes them.
“Lent doesn’t include Sundays,” Fitchet said. “This is your annual reminder that Lent does not include Sundays. Lent, including Sundays, is 46 days, not 40. So if you’re giving something up, you get Sundays off, because Sunday is always a feast day and not a fast day.”
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs until Maundy Thursday, with Sundays omitted to reach exactly 40 days of fasting, mirroring Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. Many people mistakenly continue their abstinence on Sundays, making the period harder than necessary.
Fitchet also stressed that the true purpose of Lent is not personal sacrifice but helping others. “God doesn’t care if you give up chocolate or wine. But God does care if we don’t feed the poor or look after those in poverty. Lent is about focusing on what really matters—our loyalties and how we help others,” he added.
The 40-day period holds biblical significance, reflecting the 40 days of rain in the flood, Moses’ fast before receiving the Ten Commandments, and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Western churches conclude Lent on Maundy Thursday, while Eastern traditions count Sundays and end earlier.
Fitchet’s advice encourages observers to enjoy their Sundays free from abstention and to redirect their efforts toward charitable acts during the season.
