As we shift into a new season, we have shifted into a new spiritual season as well. For those partaking, as of February 26, Lent has begun. It’s a time of sacrifice, charity, and self-reflection to prepare for Easter. To reflect Jesus Christ’s forty-day and forty-night fast in the desert, Lent too lasts forty days, not including Sundays. Why is this time so significant? Jesus’s fast took place in order to prepare himself for his ministry. In this time, he overcame temptation from the devil and  abstained from material comfort. His own fast reflects Moses’s forty day fast after he presented the law to the Jewish people. 

 

The most popular celebration that comes from Lent is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Now, Mardi Gras is a time of great celebration and indulgence across countries, but has become largely secular. Originally, this holiday emerged as one last day to eat as much food as possible and partake in behaviors that they would have to give up during Lent. When Lent was first celebrated, each Christian was allowed to eat only one meal per day, Monday through Saturday, for these forty days. No animal products could be consumed during this time either. 

 

So, how does this time of spiritual reflection translate to the present day? Well, the Church no longer encourages anyone to fast for forty days. Through new rules issued by various Church leadership, fasting now only applies to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstinence from meat only occurs on Fridays of Lent. During the rest of the season, those partaking generally choose to give up something for the entirety of Lent. One of the most common targets is chocolate. While jokingly referred to as “the Catholic diet” by some, the idea of giving up something is that sacrifice can help you focus on spiritual improvement and distance yourself from material satisfaction. 

 

Lent is also a time to focus on service and giving to others. A common way that many churches encourage this is by the Rice Bowls - little cardboard boxes to keep around the house and put spare change in to raise money to fight world hunger. One other opportunity to serve or donate is Honors’ own Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society. If you don’t have the time for even more service or the money to donate, take time this Lent to reflect on your treatment of all others. Embracing kindness, even in little day-to-day actions, can make a world of difference.

 

For those of you not partaking in Lent, enjoy your spring!