Sacrifice increases spirituality during Lent
Katie Maxwell
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Lifestyles
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According to www.catholic.org, traditionally the fast consists of eating only fish to eating only dry bread. During holy week some Christians were believed to eat nothing for a full 24 hours, and some would only have one or two meals a week. Normally on fasting days people will eat one meal a day, most likely in the evening. On holy week, or at least Good Friday, participants will eat only dry foods.
According to the Web site, Lent has three aspects. The first is a two-day fast for the weekend of Easter that was stretched to 40 days. The fast is a way of showing sacrifice.
Danny Davenport, a junior general education major from St. George, said: "If I participated in Lent the first thing that came to mind to sacrifice would be caffeine, or better yet carbonation. That would definitely be a sacrifice, but one that would make me more healthy too."
The second aspect to Lent is to prepare for baptism and the receiving of the sacrament. The third aspect is for those who have sinned and are preparing to receive their baptism.
The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday. This year it started Feb. 17. Ash is symbolic to Lent because it's an ancient symbol of repentance. It also reminds people of their mortality.
Lent is supposed to be a period of renewal and transformation. The idea is that a person gives up something that is bad for them, or some form of a sin. After the 40 days are over people are expected to be able to easily abstain from the thing they chose to give up.
Many people try to give up things like soda, candy,swearing or other bad habits.
Jessica Harward, a sophomore EMS major from Ivins, said she would give up candy if
she observed Lent.
"I would sacrifice any form of sweets and anything candy-like," Harward said. I would only eat natural sugars in foods, and that would suck."
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