Starting on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday, Lent lasts for 40 days. These 40 days symbolize the time Jesus spent in the desert. During this time, Christians are asked to give up something that they are used to having on a regular basis. This not only helps us relate to the way Jesus left everything behind when he traveled into the desert, but it also serves as a reminder that we shouldn’t depend on anything more than we rely on God.
Many girls here at Padua gave up various things for Lent. Alison Ferver, a freshmen, gave up taking the Lord’s name in vain. She says, “It’s a bad habit that I need to break, so Lent is the perfect time to stop.” Regina Janvier, also a freshmen at Padua, gave up chewing gum. “I chew gum everyday, so I figured that would be the best thing for me to give up.”
Many other Christians around the world also gave up something of importance to them for Lent. During this time of soul searching and repentance, what did you give up? More importantly, what did this absence in your life teach you?