As winter gives way to the first hints of spring and store shelves begin to fill with Easter eggs, many Catholics find themselves asking the familiar question: “What should I give up for Lent this year?” But perhaps we’re approaching this sacred season from the wrong angle. What if, instead of viewing Lent as a 40-day endurance test of willpower, we saw it as an invitation to something more profound?
The tradition of Lenten sacrifice has deep roots in our faith, dating back to the early Christian church. In the first few centuries of Christianity, Lent began as a brief period of fasting and preparation for baptism candidates, usually lasting only a few days before Easter. By the fourth century, it had evolved into a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection for the entire Christian community, echoing Jesus’s time in the desert. While early Christians observed strict fasting from all food until evening, today’s Lenten practices have evolved to encompass a broader approach to spiritual growth.
Think of Lent as spring cleaning for the soul. Just as we might clear out our closets or declutter our homes when spring arrives, Lent invites us to examine what’s crowding our spiritual lives. What habits, attitudes, or distractions are taking up space that could be better used for growth and connection with God?
Here’s a fresh approach to your Lenten journey this year:
1. Start with why
Before deciding what to give up or take on, spend some time in prayer considering your spiritual goals. What’s one area of your life where you’d like to experience growth or renewal? Your Lenten practice should align with this intention.
2. Make space for grace
Instead of focusing solely on deprivation, consider what you’re making room for. If you’re reducing social media time, use those reclaimed minutes for prayer or reaching out to someone who needs support. If you’re cutting back on shopping, redirect those funds to a cause that serves others.
3. Embrace the power of small changes
Rather than making dramatic promises you might struggle to keep, choose modest, sustainable adjustments. Maybe it’s setting aside five minutes each morning for reflection, or saying a quick prayer of gratitude before each meal. Small, consistent actions often lead to the most meaningful changes.
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4. Connect your practice to community
While Lent is a personal journey, we’re not meant to walk it alone. Share your Lenten intentions with a friend or family member. Consider joining a parish study group or participating in community service projects. Our individual growth ripples outward to affect others.
5. Find joy in the journey
Remember that Lent isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. If you slip up on your Lenten promise, don’t let guilt derail you. Each day offers a fresh start and a new opportunity to grow closer to God.
One particularly meaningful way to approach Lent is to adopt a “both/and” practice: Choose something to give up and something to take on. For example, if you decide to fast from negative self-talk, pair it with a practice of speaking three words of encouragement to someone each day. This approach helps transform the season from one of mere abstinence to one of active spiritual growth.
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Remember that Jesus spent his 40 days in the desert not only avoiding temptation, but preparing for his ministry. Similarly, our Lenten practices should prepare us for living more fully as disciples of Christ during this season and well beyond. The goal isn’t to emerge from Lent having proven our willpower, but to arrive at Easter having drawn closer to God and grown in our capacity to love and serve others.
As we approach this Lenten season, let’s shift our focus from “giving up” to “making space” – space for prayer, for service, for relationships, and for God’s transforming grace. When Easter morning arrives, may we find ourselves changed not by what we’ve given up, but by what we’ve gained in the process.
