40 DAYS

Forty days is an oft used time period in the Bible.  I'm not sure why but it must have some special significance.  I assume it was 'primative speak' for "a looong time".

God made it rain for 40 days and drowned every being but Noah, his family and animals on the Ark.  Then, Noah waited 40 days after the rain stopped before opening a window; sending out a dove to see if there was land nearby. 

Moses was in the mountains for 40 days talking to God and then brought down the Ten Commandments.  As punishment, the Israelites wondered through the desert for 40 years - one year for each day they had spent looking for the promised land.  

God gave the people of Nineveh 40 days to repent or He would destroy their city.  Jonah warned them and the city was saved.

Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. 

Jesus spent 40 days on Earth after His resurrection from the dead on Easter.  Those 40 days culminated on Ascension Thursday when He rose into Heaven. 

Did you notice that you didn't hear anything about Ascension Thursday this year?  In most Catholic diocese of the United States, the celebration of the Ascension has been moved to the Sunday following the 40th day of Easter.  Today!
\o.o/