What is Lent?

By Sarah Abbott
South Charleston High School

This year, Easter falls at the beginning of spring break. Once it arrives, the Christians among us will probably celebrate with chocolate, gifts and worship, but some Christians are showing their dedication now during the Christian season of Lent. It runs from Ash Wednesday (which was Feb. 21) to Easter Sunday.

However, the prominence of Lent might depend on which Christian denomination you are. In some denominations, Lent is a major celebration; in others, it’s a foreign word.

“What is Lent? I’ve never heard of it,” said South Charleston High School sophomore Isaac Brunetti, looking kind of confused.

Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for Easter. Its 40-day length (Sundays are not counted) reflects the 40 days that Jesus spent praying and fasting in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Fasting is part of Lent, so during the Lenten season, some Christians choose to give up something important to them to acknowledge Jesus’ suffering and to grow spiritually.

For example, a typical teenager might give up chocolate or soda. But Lent doesn’t just have to be about food-related fasting. Some teens might choose to give up texting or watching their favorite TV shows.

“I’m just giving up pop,” said South Charleston sophomore John Mottesheard. “Well, actually, I’m not going to drink anything but water, milk and apple juice. I’m kind of doing it not for spiritual or religious reasons but more because it’s just a good idea to give up something that you’re used to every once in a while.”

A random survey of several students at South Charleston revealed that not many knew what Lent was. Of those who did know, only a small percent were giving up something. The most popular item to go without was generally food-related, with students saying they were sacrificing gum, potato products and pizza.

Lent is an interesting annual occasion that gives Christian teens an opportunity to show their faith in an understated way.