Ash Wednesday

Fortunately, I was able to take part in imposing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful in my mentor group today. In other words, I got to mark the foreheads of the people with black ashes in the sign of the cross. This act signifies repentance before God, and the ashes are to traditionally retained until it wears off. 

Today marks the beginning of Lent and for those who, for a good reason (I’m hoping), might not know what that means, here’s a quick info session: 

Lent

• a Christian tradition
• the period of 5 weeks leading up to Easter*
• traditionally goes for 40 days as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before his death and resurrection
• a time to be quiet and thoughtful to get ready for Easter
• a time to give to charity, sacrifice what we take or do for pleasure and pray a lot
• for the Roman Catholics: many do not eat meat except for fish, on the Fridays of Lent.

*Easter- the day that symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection(rise from the dead). 

So I hope that helps you guys understand the importance of lent! That little info session aside… I was curious to know what everyone is sacrificing for this Lenten season?

For the past 2 years, I gave up eating rice for 40 days. Something that I definitely struggled with as rice is a staple in my meals. In 2010, it was even harder because I was on a study tour in France with my school group and my French host family served me rice for one meal and I had to find the most polite way to say I couldn’t eat it. I explained the celebration of Lent with the best French that I had back then (looking back now.. Oh gosh. A for effort, definitely). 

This year, 2012, I have decided to give up having my own personal mobile phone(cellphone). I have always had a mobile phone by my side since the age of.. 11? I know, extremely young! Since then, there was never a time that I didn’t have one. We all rely on it for calls, texting, Twitter, Facebook etc. So this will be hard. I’ve currently been using my brother’s(which used to be mine until I promised to give it to him as a “first year in Highschool present”), however for this Lenten season, I can only use his phone when someone calls him and asks for me or if I have to make an urgent call. 

So challenge yourself this year for Lent, sacrifice something that you know plays a big part in your daily life. For chocolovers, give up chocolates! Fashionistas, give up wearing heels? Music lovers, playing guitar or your favorite instrument. It could be anything you have passion or can’t go a day without.

After all, Jesus endured temptation by Satan for 40 days in the desert… Why can’t we give up something for 40 days? Let’s do this together :-) 

Lemme know what you guys are giving up!