Sarah Mitchell
Catholics observe a period of fasting and abstinence during Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. During this time, they may choose to give up something they enjoy as a form of sacrifice and penance, such as chocolate, alcohol, or coffee. This practice is meant to strengthen their willpower and ability to say no to sin, turning away from selfishness and recognizing their dependence on God. In addition to giving up something, Catholics also focus on prayer and almsgiving during Lent, striving to grow closer to God and follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Lent |
| Duration | 40 days |
| Purpose | To strengthen willpower and ability to say no to sin, to focus on God, to pursue spiritual growth and holiness, to commemorate Christ's sacrifice |
| Abstain from | Meat, chocolate, sugar, sweets, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, coffee, TV, social media |
| Practices | Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of giving something up during Lent
The liturgical season of Lent is a “penitential time” within the Church, signifying the path of conversion and promoting the continuing walk along that path. The three pillars of Lenten discipline are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which reinforce the conversion to Christ and dependence on God's grace.
Giving up something during Lent is also about facing inner restlessness by removing the things or actions that provide comfort and cover up neediness. It is a way to acknowledge that only God will ultimately satisfy both body and soul, and by giving something up, one can place their hope in God alone, trusting that their wants and dreams will be fulfilled in heaven by God's providence.
The practice of giving up something for Lent is not about showing off or trying to outdo one another but about challenging oneself to give up something that is personally enjoyable or desirable. It is a time to reflect on one's mortality, weakness, and dependence on certain things, which should remind one of God's mercy, grace, and presence.
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Examples of things Catholics give up
Catholics observe Lent as a "penitential time" within the Church. During this period, they voluntarily give up a pleasure or luxury for 40 days. While there is no Church requirement to "give up" anything besides fasting and abstinence, it has become a cultural tradition for many Catholics.
- Meat: Many Christians sacrifice eating meat and adopt vegetarianism for the entire Lenten season. This includes abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent.
- Chocolate, sugar, sweets, or soft drinks: These indulgences are common pleasures that some Catholics may choose to give up.
- Alcoholic beverages: Some Catholics practice temperance and give up alcohol during Lent.
- Profanity: Some Catholics may pledge to give up sinful behaviours, such as using profanity, with the hope of permanently ridding themselves of these habits.
- Entertainment: Some Catholics may give up certain forms of entertainment, such as watching television or using electronic devices.
- Coffee or tea: Catholics may choose to give up their favourite beverages, like coffee or tea, as a form of self-denial.
- Personal indulgences: This may include giving up cheese, homework, or sleeping with a pillow. The idea is to sacrifice something one enjoys, making it a true challenge.
It is important to note that the Lenten sacrifice is not about showing off or comparing sacrifices. It is a spiritual practice aimed at strengthening one's willpower, turning away from selfishness, and recognizing God as the ultimate fulfiller of our needs and desires.
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The three pillars of Lent
Catholics give something up during Lent, which is considered a "penitential time" within the Church. This practice is rooted in the gospel accounts of Jesus Christ praying and fasting for forty days in the desert.
Prayer
The first pillar, prayer, is about grounding oneself in a relationship with God. It is about taking time to notice God in the ordinary activities of daily life. This pillar encourages more time to be given to prayer, drawing one closer to God. Prayer can take many forms, from traditional prayers to simply whispering gratitude when one wakes up in the morning.
Fasting
The second pillar, fasting, is about self-denial and sacrifice. It is a form of discipline that trains one's mind and heart to put the goods of this world in perspective. Fasting is usually associated with giving up food or drink, but it can also include abstaining from certain behaviours, such as negative self-talk or compulsive social media scrolling.
Almsgiving
The third pillar, almsgiving, is about giving to those in need. This can take the form of financial donations, but it can also include acts of compassion and kindness, such as offering a kind word, a gentle look, or a patient ear to listen.
These three pillars help reinforce the message of conversion and dependence on God's grace during the liturgical season of Lent. They touch upon important elements of human life, such as our use of time, material resources, and attention to our own needs and the needs of others.
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Abstinence vs fasting
Catholics observe the disciplines of fasting and abstinence at various times each year, particularly during the liturgical season of Lent. This period is considered a "penitential time" within the Church, where Christians voluntarily renounce a pleasure or luxury to commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ.
Abstinence
Abstinence refers to refraining from consuming meat, which is traditionally considered a “good" food. It does not refer to the quantity of food consumed but rather the kind or quality. Historically, abstinence included meat by-products, but this is no longer the case. Catholics are encouraged to avoid meat on Fridays throughout the year, in addition to Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the vigils of the Assumption and Christmas. According to Canon Law, individuals aged 14 and above are bound by the law of abstinence.
Fasting
Fasting, on the other hand, involves reducing one's intake of food. It is associated with the quantity of food consumed rather than the type. During fasting, individuals are permitted to consume one full meal and two smaller meals throughout the day to maintain their health. However, snacking or consuming solid foods between meals is prohibited. Fasting is required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and individuals aged 18 to 59 are expected to participate.
Both fasting and abstinence are acts of self-denial that help Catholics express their longing for Jesus and imitate his suffering. They are meant to be challenging, encouraging Catholics to pursue God first and above all other things. By giving up something they enjoy, Catholics acknowledge their dependence on God and strengthen their willpower to resist sin.
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The importance of giving up something good
Catholics observe the liturgical season of Lent by giving up something good. This tradition is based on Jesus Christ's prayer and fasting for forty days in the desert, as described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to give up something pleasurable or luxurious, such as food or drink, entertainment, or other comforts.
The act of giving up something good during Lent is a form of self-denial and spiritual discipline. By removing the things or actions that bring us comfort, we acknowledge our dependence on God and recognise that only He can ultimately satisfy our needs, wants, and cravings. This practice helps us to focus our attention on Jesus Christ and strengthen our will and ability to say no to sin. It is a time to turn away from selfishness and towards self-giving.
The three pillars of Lenten discipline are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through prayer, we raise our minds and hearts to God, strengthening our relationship with Him. Fasting teaches us self-control and helps us to put the goods of this world into perspective. Almsgiving, or donating to worthy causes, is an important act of service and love.
Lent is a time for spiritual growth and building habits that lead to greater holiness. It is a season of sacrifice, not to make us miserable, but because voluntary self-denial is good for us. It is a time to train ourselves to follow in the footsteps of the Lord and to learn how to lay down our lives for others. By giving up something good, we make time and space for the best of things, focusing on our relationship with God and our spiritual journey towards holiness.
The specific practice of giving up meat on Fridays during Lent is a form of sacrifice and penance, honouring Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice. It is a way to commemorate and mirror Christ's offering, as we give up flesh for Him because He gave up His Flesh for us on Good Friday.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics give something up during Lent, which is considered a "penitential time" within the Church.
Giving up something during Lent is a form of self-denial that trains one's mind and heart to put the goods of this world in their proper perspective. It is a spiritual practice where Catholics voluntarily renounce a pleasure or luxury during the observance of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
Common things Catholics give up during Lent include chocolate, sugar, sweets, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Some also choose to give up watching TV or sleeping with a pillow.
There are no specific rules around liquids during Lent. Coffee, tea, and soda are generally considered acceptable. However, a smoothie that constitutes a meal would likely count as food and be included in the fast.
