[Invincibly Ignorant]

If your question is truly serious, read Luke, Chapter 4. The example of Christ's withdrawal to the wilderness and his fasting for forty days is most often cited as the inspiration for Lenten observations.

You're kidding? Right? Christ actually withdrew for 40 days in the wilderness? Please. That you would actually compare lent to Christ's 40 day wilderness experience is laughable.

[Iowegian]

Then I guess I'll believe they're serious about Lent when they spend forty days in Death Valley without food or water. Yep, that's so close to not having meat on Friday.

[Mr. Lucky]

Christ actually withdrew for 40 days in the wilderness?

Yes, I'm afraid He did. By the way the notion that faiths which view Jesus Christ as a role model are laughable, is in itself a little curious. Would you include among these laughable people you despise so much those Protestant kids who wear WWJD bracelets?