Lent is a Christian tradition that is observed in many denominations. It is the hallowed forty-day period of sacrifice leading up to Jesus’ death and Resurrection. During Lent, Orthodox Christians, Catholics and some Protestants prepare for Holy Week by fasting, praying, and reconciling with the Lord. These forty days are a wonderful time to rethink everything and to allow ourselves to take up our crosses as Christ once did.
Decide on your Lenten sacrifice. Lent is a season of solemnity and sacrifice commemorating Jesus’ exodus into the desert; our sacrifice is a reminder of the sacrifice of self Jesus made to save us from our sins. Because of this, it is a Lenten tradition to sacrifice something for these 40 days.
Think about all the trivial things in your life that shift your focus away from God. Do you find that you dedicate more time to sending text messages and posting status updates than to prayer and time with God? Do you have a habit of eating junk food excessively? What is something your life could do without?
In addition to sacrificing something, include something special in your Lenten routine, instead of just removing the negative resolve to be more mindful of others’ needs, spend more time with your family, pray more, and forgive old grudges.
Some families decide to set aside their spare change during these 40 days and do something with that money. Either donate it to the church or to a local charity, or spend it on goods for those in need. It’s a nice touch to this season, focusing on those that don’t have anything to sacrifice in the first place.