Lent is a time of year for self-reflection and sacrifice, and preparation time for Easter. If you’re unfamiliar with Easter, it is the most important Christian holiday. It is in a direct correlation with our faith — as we believe Jesus is the son of God and rose from the dead on the third day. Here’s a little bit about the holiday, the rituals and what it means to me as a modern-day college student.
So, what did you give up for Lent?
This is a question most Christians get because most people sacrifice something for 40 days starting on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent). 40 is a significant number in Christianity, as Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, Noah spent 40 days and nights on the ark during the flood, and Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. We sacrifice because something is holding us back from our relationship with God. But you don’t always have to give something up, you can do something too.
This year, I gave up soda because I was definitely developing a soda addiction. I had to have one once a day to feel relaxed and comfortable. Now, I don’t have cravings for sweets as much and have started drinking more water. Every time I crave a Diet Coke, I am reminded of why I gave it up and how it reminds me that Jesus’ sacrifice was bigger than my own.
So… no meat on Fridays?
For Catholics, Lenten Fridays are Fish Fridays! Abstinence is a form of penance. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is another reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Not eating meat on Fridays makes me reevaluate what I put into my body. Sometimes it’s hard to come up with meals on Fridays that are still filling. Usually the go-to is pizza, or pasta or any form of carb. I just starting liking fish so now I’ve been getting shrimp fried rice. The worst though is if you eat something really late at night on a Thursday and then you realize you just ate a chicken nugget at 12:30 am on a Friday. I feel for my vegetarian friends, I don’t know how they do it.
True life: I actually like Lent.
I feel close to God during Lent. I love going to bible study with my friends and learning. It’s definitely hard being a college student and still trying to maintain that connection with religion. Most people my age hate religion. People are always shocked to find out I’m “religious” as if it’s a bad thing. Some people say they’re “spiritual, not religious” — but I think being spiritual and religious go hand in hand and you need one to support the other. As a kid, I used to hate going to church. I would always zone-out. And to be honest, I still zone-out, but I try not to. I need all the prayers I can get to actively listen through church.
I feel like Easter never gets the same hype as Christmas, which I think goes back to companies overdoing Christmas to sell products. But hey, I guess Easter is the one time of year Peeps do well in the market — and it marks the time of year to wear all of my bright floral clothes. Hello, spring!