10 Mar
Inspired by Lent
I’ve been writing back and forth with a reader named Melissa whom I absolutely love (we agree on so many things it’s crazy!) and she mentioned that she had seen a Formspring response that referenced my feelings toward the way I had celebrated Easter in the past, and how much I wanted to revise that in my own family life to properly honor the Savior’s sacrifice. I really like the way the Catholic faith, as well as many others, has a variety of celebrations and traditions that make Easter and the days/weeks surrounding it very meaningful. I do want to make it clear that I think the Atonement and Resurrection are absolutely paramount to the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I felt like I needed something more to keep the sacrifice in the forefront of my mind during this time.
Melissa said that she has started her own tradition, borrowing from the idea of Lent. She gives up one temporal thing, and one spiritual thing, during this time of year. To quote Melissa:
I love giving up two things, it’s kind of like fasting in that one informs the other. You know how when you get really hungry you just tell yourself to use it as a reminder of what you’re fasting about? Well, every time I choose not to eat sugar I use it as a reminder not to be judgmental.
Melissa’s things she is giving up this year are sugar and being judgmental. I love Melissa’s idea, and decided to try it out this idea for myself. I love goal setting, and so I imagine I’ll keep doing this in the future as well!
Temporal:
Morning Twitter/Gmail/Formspring time
Each morning when I wake up I spend up to 30 minutes (sometimes longer!) reading tweets, my emails, checking Formspring, etc. I tell myself it’s necessary to help me wake up in the morning, which is silly since I somehow survived waking up at 4:30 am to go to work as a waitress in WA, and I didn’t have Twitter or a smart phone to help me peel my eyes open then. Until Easter, I will wake up in the morning by showering, exercising, or cleaning the kitchen, and I will not waste time reading tweets or emails until those things are done.
Spiritual:
Avoiding FHE
I’ve been putting this off because I told myself we didn’t “need” it. Just an excuse, and not a very good one at that. I swore that I would start doing it regularly when T1 has his first birthday, and this commitment means I’ll just be starting a little earlier than planned. Each Monday night, even if it’s just a few minutes long, we are going to sit down as a family, pray, sing a hymn, read some scriptures, and talk about the gospel.
TH actually came up with my temporal fast, and I came up with my spiritual one. Melissa gave me some other ideas for ways in which she honors Christ’s sacrifice during this time of year, but I’ll write about those later.
I’d love to hear what you are giving up for Lent OR what you do during the season around Easter to honor the Atonement/Resurrection.
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
I’m giving up elevators for Lent
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1I think it is great that you are doing this. Personally I think Christ’s sacrifice should be remembered every second of every season. Not just the months leading up to Easter which is what most Christians seem to do. Lent to me is empty if it is only done around March/April. If you really want to participate in Lent it should be every day of the year.
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Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Jo(ke) I think that’s true. I’ve given up lots of things in my everyday life including premarital/extramarital sexual activity, alcohol, illicit drugs, inappropriate media, coffee, tea, swearing, certain types of dress and 10% of my increase each year. I also do not shop, attend non-spiritual events, recreate, or view secular media on Sundays. Each day I try to pray twice a day personally, once with my husband, and over every meal. I try to read my scriptures on my own, and I also read with my husband before we go to bed each night.
I think I give up a lot of “worldly” things throughout the yer, which remind me of my devotion to Christ. This is just a little something extra
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Jackie Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 9:25 am
I disagree that Lent should be a year round thing.
Catholics take a seasonal approach to the year. During Advent, we anticipate Christ’s return by remembering what it was like for the Jews to wait for Christ’s birth, during the Christmas season we celebrate his birth. During Lent we focus on repentance for our sins and participate in a fast, as well as focusing extra energy to prayer and almsgiving. We do this for 40 days because that is how long Christ spent in the desert, fasting and praying, before he was baptized. During the Holy Week (the week before Easter) we focus on Christ’s death and sacrifice. During the Easter season (about 50 days after Easter) we focus on his resurrection. The rest of the year is called “Ordinary Time” where we learn more generally about Christ’s life and God’s will.
Now, I know I wouldn’t be able to focus on Christ’s birth/life/death/resurrection completely every day. I’d be giving each part of his story only 1/4 of my attention. Its a very meditative religion, so we choose to meditate on one area at a time in order to really grow into and understand that part.
I think Lent is extra meaningful if done as a preparation for Easter.
That being said, Catholics do commemorate the different aspects of Christ’s life and death weekly. By taking communion, we are reminded of his sacrifice for us. And every Sunday we celebrate his resurrection. So in some since, we do remember these things year round. It’s not like before Easter we just remember about it! Instead, we are choosing to really dive in and focus. Doing that makes us extra ready to focus on Easter when it comes!
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LifeOnMulberry Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 9:40 am
Jackie, I loved your answer. Thanks for responding on behalf of Team Catholic
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Sophia Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Well said Jackie. I especially loved the clarification about Catholicism being a meditative religion, and taking a seasonal approach to the year. My Granny is Catholic, and I grew up in the Catholic church until middle school, and I always loved the seasonal celebrations for all the reasons you enumerated. It helped to focus on specific aspects of one’s faith, and as you said, meditate upon them. I still pray with my rosaries every now and again, for that same meditative/mantra like quality.
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Marissa C Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 10:51 am
ITA with Jackie!
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Katherine (a.k.a. Sparkles) Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Jackie, great answer! Well said.
For me- I decided to do something different this year.(I have already adjusted my lif ein so many ways being a new parent and all)
It’ll be challenging for me…give up discouragement- be full of hope.
Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run… and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Let’s see how I do.
Along the same lines as what Jackie said this link refers to the meaning behind lenten season from the CatholicMom.com site
http://catholicmom.com/2011/03/09/lenten-thoughts/
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Stephanie C Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Thank you for this response.
I’d like to add that it’s very sad to see people giving up things as if Lent is some sort of diet. I did this myself during college.
I have given up Meat and Dairy, though I was only eating meat on holidays. This is according to the Orthodox Church. In addition there are other times of fasting to commemorate Christ’s life and the Theotokos.
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Jo(ke) Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 5:31 am
I appreciate your clarification. I actually live in a country with a very strong Catholic tradition and went to a Catholic school from age 3 to 17. So I know quite a bit about Catholicism. I even remember as a kid in school being asked to partake in Lent. However I am not a Catholic so I still disagree with you
Lent to me represents a legalistic institution and religion. But the resurrection of Christ (the very thing you focus on by partaking in Lent) means we don’t live under law but we live under grace. Partaking in Lent is a sign of living under law, when we are living under grace through Christ’s resurrection. It is possible to focus on Christ’s ressurection every day. It doesn’t mean you need to read your whole Bible daily. Just thinking about it, praying, showing love to others, being thankful for this amazing gift… that is enough. And that is what I meant with my original post!
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Jackie Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 10:15 am
I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree
I don’t think Lent represents legalism. I think there is a model for fasting shown by Christ in the gospels. Lent is actually a time to focus on penitence for sins, prayer, and charity. Easter is the time to focus on the resurrection, and Easter is a season that actually lasts longer than Lent.
I agree that if you don’t focus on God year round, Lent probably won’t be as meaningful to you. But it is also a time where a lot of people choose to come back to the Church or to get right with God. I’ve heard people tell me many times that Catholics don’t focus on the resurrection enough. I don’t think that’s true - I think we just take time out to think about other important things as well.
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I gave up chocolate or chocolate flavored everything and I’m limiting my soda intake to 12 oz. a day!
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3I will be giving up wheat/gluten & almonds. And praying more. But I really like your morning computer time idea… pretty sure I will add that starting tomorrow. Thanks for the post!
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4I’m giving up my mornings to pray and read scripture, before the business of the house gets started!
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5I’m going to eat healthier for lent. I have the 17 day diet book coming next week. And hopefully my healthier eating will last longer than just Lent! I’m going to try to give up most sweets as well.
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6I’m giving up soda and takeout food. I waste so much money on takeout when I could just eat what I have at home.
Also, I use to never swear and then I switched jobs and everyone I work with swears so much. Over time, I’ve just started swearing with them. I think it’s so unclassy and rude.
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7I am giving up sweets and bread and I am offering my Saturday mornings to volunteer at a soup kitchen and feed the homeless.
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8I think you have the right idea here.
A lot of people think Lent is “New Year’s Resolutions take 2,” and decide to give up eating bad things and to take on going to the gym. That’s not really the point. Sure, you can give up a vice if its something you realize is keeping you from God. But the point is to fast from something as a reminder to put God first.
(I actually wrote a post on this yesterday!)
I’m giving up running the water in the shower while I”m sudsing or shampooing. It’ll be a reminder to me that I have a lot of luxuries in life and there are many people who live without running water. I can’t really give up anything food related because my diet is too restricted, but I will fast on Ash Wednesday (check) and Good Friday and abstain from meat during all Fridays during Lent.
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9I like this idea, especially getting back to family time. I also like your new side buttons!
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10Jenna, among the things I like about your faith is the idea of FHE. I formspringed you about this one this week (guessing you are holding it until Sunday!). I definately want to use this as a tool in our home when we have kids. I’d love to do it now (sans kiddos), but focusing on getting my husband to church EVERY Sunday first.
For Lent, we’re giving up alcohol and donating the $$ we would have spent on it to a charity. I have two in mind but am still working out which one makes sense for the season.
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11I’m giving up stress! I worry too much about things that don’t matter and/or can’t be changed at the moment. Here’s to less stress!
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12I agree with Jackie that I think it’s missing the point of giving something up for Lent if you’re not doing it to be closer to Christ (i.e. giving up eating chocolate because you want to lose weight, not because it has anything to do with your relationship with God). That being said, I have certainly been guilty of making similar abstentions in the past!
This year during Lent I will not be using my computer after 8pm (I get home from work around 5:30pm, so this still gives me enough time to blog, email, etc.). For me, it’s so easy to get caught in an endless rabbit hole of Google Reader, blogs, Pinterest, random websites, etc., and I want to force myself to STOP and focus on the people in front of me, the people God has blessed me with and the people I should be loving on every day, not just sitting next to on the couch while we both cruise around the internets before going to bed. And, of course, I hope this extra unfilled time will give me fewer excuses to not do things like pray and read the Bible, which I should always be doing more of
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13I’m no longer Catholic, but the traditions of the church are still very powerful for me. Lent is probably my favorite time in the church because of the amazing symbolism.
I’ve given up sweets, which is a bit of a sacrifice for me since I am absolutely addicted to sugar. While it may look like a cop out for dieting, it’s more about regaining self-discipline for me.
Not to fuel your vices or anything, but Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of the Lenten fast. Some churches interpret that as you’re allowed to partake on those days.
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Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 10:57 am
I read that on Wikipedia but I didn’t know if it meant that Sunday’s weren’t counted in the 40 day total, or they were “break days”. If people are taking a break on those days, I admit I’m a little taken aback as it seems like Sunday should be the day when you abstain the MOST from the world. If your X devout M-Sa, then shouldn’t you try XXX hard on the Sabbath, the day we are supposed to devote to the Lord?
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Jackie Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 11:36 am
Catholics and LDS have a little bit different interpretation of Sundays. Catholics believe that Sundays are always celebrations of the resurrection, and therefore feast days. (We have feast days in addition to fast days). So Catholics generally fast in the morning until receiving the Eucharist, (or an hour before if later in the day), but the rest of the day is a day of celebration and feasting.
Sundays aren’t counted in the 40 days total because Lent is a fast, but Sundays aren’t fast days. So there are really like 46 days or something in Lent. That being said, those Sundays aren’t just “outside” of Lent, there are still Lenten Sundays. So some people choose to still abstain from whatever they are doing on Sundays (I generally do). But you are not required to observe your fast on Sundays because its a day of feasting not fasting.
Does that make sense?
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Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
It make sense, and I agree with the idea that the Sabbath can be a day of feasting (specifically a day of feasting on the good things of the Gospel), but most of the things that people talk about giving up are vices. Drinking soda, judging, taking elevators instead of stairs, too much candy. So to me it doesn’t make sense to stop giving up those things on Sunday.
To me it’s kind of like Mormons who fast for two meals on Fast Sunday, and then gorge themselves on crap as soon as their “fasting time” is up. This kind of defeats the purpose of fasting.
So I say, make your goals, decide what you will abstain from throughout the period of Lent, and then work EXTRA hard on Sunday to stay away from those things!
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Jackie Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Yeah, the point though isn’t to give up something because its bad for you, but as a way to make a sacrifice to God. If you are choosing to work on staying away from something that’s hurting your relationship with God, like gossiping, then yeah, on Sunday’s you wouldn’t go and say “yay! Want to know what so and so did?”
“Feasting” on Sundays should be done with the same mindfulness that fasting is done. So if you just mindlessly gorge yourself on chocolate because you missed it the last 6 days, that’s not awesome. But if you decide to celebrate the resurrection and part of that celebration involves eating a piece of cake, then fine! Catholics aren’t asked to fast or to be any holier on Sundays, just to keep it as a day of celebration of God.
Though really, most Catholics who give something up for Lent do it for the whole period and don’t decide to take a break on Sundays. Its just that we aren’t required to observe a fast on Sundays.
Though I think your interpretation would fit well with the LDS interpretation of Sunday and the Sabbath, so it makes sense for you to do it that way! Good luck!
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Stephanie C Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
I just read an article discussing this very thing. I am still learning, but I believe according to the orthodox faith, on Sundays you are allowed Olive Oil and Wine.. but you’re supposed to continue your fast.
I think I’ve been guilty of thinking of Cheesefare week as gorge myself to death with cheese week.. although I didn’t do so thankfully
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Jackie Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
I think the not fasting on Sunday in the Catholic Church has something to do with this verse, “Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them.’” (Mark 2:19)
But again, it’s still a time of penance so it’s up to the individual if they want to continue their penitential act. But if doing so is preventing them from celebrating the resurrection, then it’s harmful.
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Sage Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
The gourging you talk about on Fast Sunday doesn’t take away the purpose of the fast. That would make sense if the purpose of fasting was to not eat for the purpose of not eating, but that’s not what the fast is for.
One of the main purposes of the fast is to draw closer to Heavenly Father. Fasting accomplishes this by putting ourselves in a state of physical need during which we are encouraged to, and indeed can, draw closer to heavenly father by allowing him to fill us spiritually in our state of physical need. This is done by incraesed prayer, purposefully fasting, and thoughtfully considering our fast offering and others in need. Gourging oneself with food after the fast doesn’t defeath the purpose of fasting because it does not take away the spiritually closeness with heavenly lfaterh that was felt during the fast (if done properly of course).
I’m not trying to lecture you, and I know you understand these concepts, but others who don’t understand the LDS perspective on fasting read this and I didn’t want anyone to get the impression that fasting is just about not eating food. I believe you’ve written a Sunday post about it before, so this is mostly for others who may not understand.
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LifeOnMulberry Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Jenna, your response was the same as mine… As a kiddo, I’d always been taught that you gave up your Lent sacrifice from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Later in life, another Catholic that I admire told me that Sundays were feast days and not days of sacrifice. I asked a priest what he thought, and he told me to look in my heart and consider whether I should be indulging on the Sundays of Lent or continuing my sacrifice.
I think that this is something that varies in practice within the Catholic community. I don’t know enough to comment on whether official church doctrine directs one way or the other.
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For Lent this year I’ve decided upon two different things to do, which coincidentally, fall into your post this morning.
I’ve given up all beverages other than water, milk, and alcohol. As a nursing mother, I really need the calcium and Vitamin D and would much rather get it through a natural source, like milk, as opposed to a vitamin. Alcohol, I don’t drink much to begin with, so even if I didn’t drink during Lent, it wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice. However, I do drink a lot of beverages other than water each day so it is going to be difficult for me to stop.
The other thing that I’m doing during Lent is making a commitment to get back to being an active member of my church. Although I’m a practicing Catholic, with the new baby, it’s gotten to the point that I’m making excuses instead of going to mass on Sunday. It’s time for me to stop that and to take the baby to church with me. I love being in mass and the time for reflection that it gives me and these are things I want to share with my daughter, even if she’s too young to understand any of it.
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15I’m doing a few things
-Giving up sugar
-Limiting my internet time, meaning that outside of gmail, I will only visit my favorite sites once/day. Seems minimal, but I realize I spend hours clicking back and forth all day-including on this blog!
-Do a rosary in the car on the way to work in the morning (need to burn the CD so I can get on that!)
-My husband and I are making sure we pray together every evening.
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16I’m not Catholic (United Methodist), but the Lenten season has always been important to me and my faith. I remember my mom and aunts giving up soda and then staying up until midnight so they could have a soda on Easter. It didn’t really mean that much to me before.
Now, it has a different meaning. I actually gave up the scale. I step on it way too much and it gives me a complex. Now, I step on the scale at Weight Watchers and once a month at home so I can still participate in the That Wife Challenge.
I’m also working on my jealousy issues.
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17I was raised Methodist, so the Lent was never focused on quite as much as it is in the Catholic Church. A few years ago, I was at a church service, and the Pastor gave a message about Lent. His premise was that, instead of giving something up, like chocolate or caffeine (I liked what the previous poster said that too many people use Lent as “New Year’s Resolutions Take 2″) he was going to do something mindful for others every single day of Lent. I really liked that.
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18Great post! I decided to give up soda for Lent. For some reason, I have been craving it the past few months and started drinking it! This, after 10 years of little to no soda drinking. So, I am hoping that this Lenten sacrifice will be one that lasts well beyond Lent. My husband, who was raised Greek Orthodox & never participated in Lent, is addicted to Diet Coke and he agreed to participate in Lent with me - I am so happy!
I’ve also been lack at attending services on Sunday, so my Spiritual focus is to attend church each week. Again, this is something that I am hopeful will become a routine and last well beyond Lent.
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19I have been celebrating Lent for years now. I love those 40 days leading up to Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. I have fasted from sugar one year and one year I didn’t watch any tv. I think Lent is only good if you substitute that something with time for God. This year I decided Lent is not about fasting, not about not doing or giving up, this year it is simply about me drawing closer to God. It won’t be about reading my Bible daily, it won’t be about praying every day. It is not about ritual. But it will be about just me and Him. Me beyond ritual trying to seek Him and get to a place of peace and trust. So I am making a conscious effort to be with Him. I will take effort for sure. I get hung up in my own ways, not putting God first. I am hoping to get to a new depth with Him. Blessed Lent to all where we will meet God face to face.
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20I’m Anglican/United Church of Canada, but raised by a Catholic mother. I don’t normally do the ‘give something up for lent’ but rather ‘add something new’. I don’t really feel connected to God by avoiding chocolate, tea, fast food, etc, but I feel more connected when I do something mindful-volunteering at church, being more patient with my family, praying more throughout the day, or meditating in the morning. This year I have added six a.m. prayers and meditation. For me it is more meaningful than not eating candy for Lent, although I do partake in a Good Friday fast.
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Jenna Reply:
March 10th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I talked about this with my his and last night when I was writing this post. I couldn’t think of anything I could “give up” (AKA sins of commission) so I tried to think of a way of introducing something I was not doing (a sin of omission). So we are going to work harder to introduce Family Home Evening into our weekly habits.
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This year for Lent, I will be reflecting on & living out the virtue of poverty. As a consumer culture, we are so afraid of being poor, but poverty can also be a blessing. It’s time for me to let go of my earthly attachments and let God be more fully present.
This includes cleaning out the unnecessary things cluttering my life that distracts me from having a deeper relationship with God. This includes giving away both physical “things” that I keep hanging on to, like clothes and mementos, and emotional, like worry and impatience. I’ll also be setting a stricter food budget for myself, I’ll giving up my bed and sleeping on the floor at least 3 times a week.
On Fridays I’ll be eating plain rice for dinner in solidarity with all the poor in the world who eat just every day.
Have a Blessed Lent everyone!
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22Im Catholic and have been giving up something for Lent for as long as I can remember. I always give up one food item, this year it’s tortilla chips. I’m also giving up online shopping and Facebook. I’m hoping that all the time I save by not being online can be used towards our dog. I decided I was also going to take up something this year. This year I’ve decided to spend more time with out dog training her. She’s well behaved but the lack of outside time makes her a bit nuts. A little more focus time with her should make her relax and stay healthy.
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23Fasting is something that is very experiential and makes more and more sense as you do it. It puts you in a different mindset and makes you more conscious of God because you have to be more mindful of your everyday actions. I’m Orthodox, so I’m doing the whole no dairy thing (I’m already a vegetarian), and limited oil and wine. However, I also read that fasting without prayer and chairty is pointless, so I’m trying to be more diligent about prayer, and I’m not allowing myself to take taxis, eat at restaurants by myself, or go to Starbucks (the top three ways I waste money). I have a charity already picked out, and the money I save by not doing these three things will go there.
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24Well I can relate with the fasting on Friday’s. I think I’m going try and give up on the chocolate. This is pretty tough to do, it’s one of my favorite treats.
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25I’m a Presbyterian, and while we recognize Lent as a season in the church, we don’t emphasize fasting and giving things up the way the Catholic church does. It has to do with the belief in salvation by grace which someone stated before. But I did attend Catholic school, so I often give something up anyway, as a practice in discipline. This year we’re giving up meat in our house. Not as a diet, but as a way of honoring the healthy bodies God gave us. We’ve found in past years when we choose something like that for a lenten sacrifice, we incorporate it into our lives long after Easter comes. And my youth group is encouraging the church to give up/reduce the use of paper towels, plastic bags and plastic bottles, so we’re doing that at home too.
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