Forty days without pizza. Forty days without Facebook. Forty days without soda. Forty days without music. Any of these sound tempting?

 

In preparation for Holy Week--remembering Christ’s death, burial and resurrection--Christians of many denominations practice a time of fasting, prayer and service during the season of Lent. A period that lasts forty days--influenced by Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness--Lent can be either observed consistently or skipped on Sundays, depending on the denominational background.   

 

Lent, for most denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Many observers skip Sundays, as if each were an Easter Sunday. However, many Protestant churches keep the dates and continue the practice on Sundays, lasting an actual total of forty-six days. Some denominations start later than Ash Wednesday, while continuing the practice through Sundays to still gain a total of forty days. Others even start two days before Ash Wednesday, on Clean Monday.

 

As to the practice, again, particular denominations observe Lent with slight differences. Some denominations simply give up, or fast from something over forty days, or take on another daily spiritual discipline, such as community service or a devotional. Some denominations, such as the Oriental Orthodox churches, go as far as fasting from food by eating only one meal a day, and that one may be restricted from meat and milk or other types of food. Yet, some do a mixture of fasting and extra disciplines.

 

However, no matter the set of practices you choose to observe, the general meaning and reasoning for Lent is the same: to remind us of what Christ did and to grow closer to God as we recognizes our mortality.

Below are accounts of some people on our campus and their relationship to Lent.

 

Jason Onks: Director of Campus Activities

Onks’ background is in one of a Lent-practicing Methodist community. Each year, Onks and his family acknowledge and practice Lent by giving up something or taking on a new discipline.

"For me individually, it's a constant reminder of the crucifixion and resurrection that helps me stay Christ centered and grateful for the many blessings in my life," says Onks.

 

Molly Gumbert: Senior Communications Major

Gumbert grew up in a Southern Baptist church that did not practice Lent, and her family does not practice Lent. However, Gumbert observes the season every year.

"The first time I did Lent was in eighth grade, because my friends did it,” she says, “Then I started to do it continuously, every year. This was because it helped me realize that sometimes I don't think I need God. So, in taking away an everyday habit, it helped me build my relationship with God, as he filled that void."

 

Elias Quintero: Junior Worship Leadership Major

With a church background in the Assemblies of God, Quintero did not grow up observing the practice of Lent in church or in his family. Quintero still does not practice Lent.

"I didn't grow up with it, therefore, I don't know much about it,” he says, “I have no bias against it, but I also don't have the same appreciation that someone who practices Lent would have."

 

Kelly Sosa: Freshman Social Work and Psychology Major

Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, Sosa and her family grew up in the practice of Lent. Yet, Sosa does not practice it very “strictly,” she would say, but every year, nonetheless.

“It's a test of faith, because God gave something up for us, so we should try and give something up for 40 days," she says.

 

No matter your background or your denomination, Lent can be a time of fasting, prayer and service that orients you toward Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The question is this: Are you going to partake in Lent this year? If so, many blessings on your journey towards Easter.