I always love to find out the origins of the names of things. Why is a fork called a fork, and things like that. Unfortunately, not many people write down things like that so a lot of it is heresey or tradition without an explantion. So I didn't bother to look up Lent in the original dictionary because i'm sure I wouldnt find it, but my brain seemed to make a connection without the help of a big boring book.
In the dictionary, Lent is the past action of granting someone the use of something with the understanding that it will be returned. I find that a bit ironic.
I've been Catholic since birth. Each year during the depressing time of February and March, Lent begins. This is the liturgical season that helps religious people get ready for the celebration of Easter. Its a time of sacrifice, and getting closer to God. People give up sinful acts or sacrifice something they enjoy to show that they are dedicated. This season is 40 days long so about 6 weeks, there is 2 days of fasting, and Fridays requires one to abstain from eating meat. With this background, hopefully you"ll see what i'm talking about.
Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Through his death we gained the opportunity for eternal life in heaven. At the beginning of the earth, God and his subjects were together but Adam and Eve were tricked and were separated from God. So i'm thinking that Lent is the time when we especially awknowledge the fact that God lent us time on this earth and this designsted season helps us sort of pay him back for all he's done.
I just recently thought about this. If i'm right maybr i've reached a new level of spiritual understanding; but it could also be something well off. Oh well I think it's kinda awesome, and that's all that matters.
I dont typicaly make a big deal out of Lent, but this year has changed things. I am now a youth group leader at my church, and i'm hoping to bring teens closer to Christ. Im working on my relationship with God and this year i've given up tv during the week so I can spend more time becoming a better Catholic. Ok, so it may sound like i'm bragging about being "holier than thou" but i'm just curious to hear from my fellow Catholics. I'd love to hear from my fellow Chrisitians and those of other faiths too. How are you celebrating Lent?
