Ash Wednesday for me was something that I just did because well…I had to. I went to a Catholic school for all of my elementary and junior high years, so it was something that I just grew up with.
While I am still a practicing Catholic, Ash Wednesday has taken on a more significant meaning for me.
- It is a preparation of the arrival of Easter.
- It marks the true beginning of Spring — which for me means renewal.
- It is a way to cleanse the mind, body, and soul.
- A reminder of our fragility and mortality.
The last two parts are the parts that stands out for me and my family the most. In the Catholic tradition, we usually go without something during the 40 days of lent (excluding Sundays).
Traditionally, we give up something that we like, or crave and set aside our desire for it for this time period.
We sacrifice.
This minor sacrifice is a reminder of the major sacrifice that our Lord has done for us in order to forgive us for our sins.
One thing that I have noticed is that when we do give up something, we tend to crave that thing more. It’s like the withholding is creating the need.
But, it’s through this withholding from something that we can truly understand that we, like everyone else crave.
Need.
Want.
We are not always as strong as we want to be, but we are — reluctantly admitting — weak, and fragile.
During Lent we are reminded that our time here on earth is short, and we should keep in mind of our true priorities. Everything man has made will come and go, but renewing our relationship with our Maker is what should be at the forefront in our minds and hearts.
Sometimes, we wait for something horrible to happen to renew our faith, bur during this Lent season our relationship is what we focus on.
This Lent Season, Mr. C and I decided to do something together. When we are all together, we are going to put down all electronics–phones, iPads, Macbook Pros, etc (except my camera) and just be with each other. We noticed that we can be easily distracted and sometimes we can all be in a room but we are all doing different things on an electronic. That has to change for sure.
This is going to be especially hard for me since I live on my phone. But we do what’s best for the family.
Even if you do not follow Lent the same way, what is one way that you practice the Lent season? Do you practice or acknowledge Lent?
{Bonus: Do you wonder why the Priest wears purple during the lent season? “Purple, preferably a somber, dark shade, is worn during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. Purple signifies great solemnity, with connotations of both penance and royal dignity. Decoration of the vestments for these penitential season is appropriately simple.” via http://www.adoremus.org}
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I never payed attention to it I know about it but never did it. I think this year I may try something I know it won’t be the internet though without that I am a mess. Good luck to you during this time.
You and me both. I can’t give up the Internet at all. That means no blog stalking. Thank you for the luck.
Sacrifice and and greater discipline is something I’ve been working on for several months now. It can be a painful practice at times, but I feel it’s necessary in my effort to remain close to Christ (it’s so easy to be steered away by worldly things) and give back to Him. I consider it an act of worship.
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You all chose a good one. We are always getting distracted by electronics at the most inappropriate times at that. I will let this serve as a reminder to eat in peace at least…baby steps!
Thank you Joi. You are right about the electronics at the wrong time. Hopefully doing this with our family will keep us mindful of our presence with one another.
For Lent, I’m giving up drinks with caffeine in them and one hour of tv time for 40 days. I think that practicing small steps toward living a disciplined life is a great thing and will definitely improve our relationship not only with Christ but our loved ones as well!
Those are great things to give up! Wishing you luck during the Lenten season.
I’ve never given up anything for Lenten Season because that is not something my family has traditionally done, however, I appreciate deeply what this season represents. I think what you have chosen to give up is great, and you are so right about everyone being in the same room and being on some sort of “device”.
Thanks Nellie. The distraction has been driving me crazy lately. So I’m glad that Mr. C agreed. (And no arm twisting was needed) 🙂
I have chosen to give up French Fries this Lent. Overall, I am a pretty healthy person but I get when it comes to fries. I eat them way too often .I’m hoping giving it up will be able have me resist it better in the future.
A few years back, I gave up drinking soda for lent. By the time I was able drink it again, Soda just didn’t taste good anymore.