The season of Lent is here and this is a time of prayer and penance and for some it is a time to give up something they enjoy as an act of penance. It seems to me to be something that is more associated with Catholicism, but over the last few years, my friends and I have begun this custom every Lenten season. The Lent season lasts from Ash Wednesday, which is this coming Wednesday, until Easter. During this time, you will abstain from the use of the thing you have given up. When you think of the item, take time to reflect.
When it comes to giving something up, it should generally be something that would pain you to go without. I have started to give up more than one thing, some I tell people about some I keep to myself. I have thought about what I will give up this season and have come up with a few things. I am going to give up the purchase of CDs, DVDs, and books. I have even deleted Amazon.com from my favorites list. I did this last year and for me it was tough. I am also going to go without colas of any kind diet or fully leaded. I also am forgoing convenient store food; basically I can buy nothing in a convenient store except bottled water and granola bars.
Also during Lent most Catholics go meatless on Friday. I am going to experiment with that and it gives me a good excuse to eat Bob’s IGA catfish. A debate has risen among my group of friends about Sundays not counting in the season of Lent, meaning that you could indulge in the item you gave up for Lent on Sundays. I have been involved in heated debate, but have recently read that Sundays are indeed “free” days. Even so, I will not indulge in my items, but reserve the right to change my mind 3 weeks into Lent.
Whatever your beliefs, maybe you would like to give it try. What would you give up? Would you utilize Sunday as a “free” day? What could it hurt? In fact it may help you in both your physical life as well as your spiritual life.
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2 comments:
I love Catholic holidays. They seem to be...maybe I shouldn't go down that road.
I think giving up something for a period is a good thing. Breaks your dependance on it maybe.
If I were to do this, I would give up TV. Yeah, that would be difficult for me, but I think it would be beneficial. Could you imagine not actually watching March Madness. Talk about something that would be painful.
Sunday cheaters are just that, cheaters. If this observance holds true spiritual value to you, then why cheat on it? God doesn't offer any Get Uut of Sin Free cards.
Looks like several people around here are giving up blogging for Lent.
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