Lend a time to lent

 

Most Christians view the season of lent as an opportunity to give up a food that we tend to eat frequently or to fast between meals. But the true and original meaning of lent, is to put us in the place of our savior, Jesus Christ. He spent forty days in the desert without any source of food. He was tempted by the devil on several accounts. He sacrificed his own life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The purpose of these forty days leading up to the resurrection of Christ, is to challenge ourselves. To give up or devote yourself to something other than the regular. 

Lent is a time where we can all show each other kindness and hospitality. Jesus did not suffer his entire life to have us hate each other. All of us Brother Rice students have the capability to get to know a student that we have never got the chance to come around and talk to. You can all make someone feel welcome into our community. We can and should use the days leading up to Easter to build stronger relationships with our peers and prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

Lent is also a time for sacrifice. During this season, we have the opportunity to sacrifice something that is meaningful to us. When I was younger, I would sacrifice things that would be easiest to give up, such as foods I rarely ever ate. These lenten promises were meaningless and barely even a sacrifice. Now I have learned that I should give up things that are part of my everyday life. Maybe some of us should give up screen time on our phones, or time watching tv.  Maybe getting along better with your parents or a sibling.We should challenge ourselves by making sacrifices like Jesus did for us, even though our small sacrifices could never amount to God’s ultimate sacrifice. 

In conclusion, Lent it is one of the most thought provoking periods for everyone during the liturgical year. Lent is the time where I focus on God and make a more concerted effort to put Him first in my life. I spend much time thinking and reflecting on my relationship with God. It's a challenging time where I take a hard look in the mirror and identify where I can make changes – where my walk does not match my talk.