Then Jesus was led by the Spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he finally got hungry. And the tempter came up and said to him: If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves. But he answered and said: It is written: Man will not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
-Matthew 4: 1-4
Many Catholics choose to sacrifice something during Lent. Of course, you won't be able to spend forty days in the desert without food or drink like Jesus did, but giving up your favorite food or activity you love as a modern way of celebrating the time leading up to Easter will be just as good.
Steps
Step 1. Decide if you want to "give up" on something
Lent is based on sacrifice, so many Catholics choose to stop eating something they particularly love or stop their favorite activity. However, you can also choose to do something. For example, you can say one more prayer each day, go to church twice a week, or read some passages from the Bible. Many find it difficult to commit to doing something extra for forty days, while others find it rather easy. Whether you give up on something or start it, the choice is yours, so do it wisely.
Step 2. If you decide to give up, determine what you feel is important
Don't choose something you don't like or it wouldn't be a sacrifice at all. And don't give up on something you don't own either. For example, if you've never tried peanut butter cookies before, don't choose it as a Lent sacrifice as it wouldn't be for you.
Step 3. Choose your favorite
Sit down and think: what is my favorite food? What do I like to drink? The sweet? The snack? The dessert? Sports activity? These things that are really important may seem hard to let go for forty days, but remember: on Easter morning, when you realize you've made it even though you think you won't be able to give it up, it will be worth it.
Step 4. You can give up a bad habit
Do you bite your nails and would you like to stop? Here is your goal for Lent.
Step 5. Consider giving up on a habit
Cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol damage the body, and making your detox the goal for this (and everlasting) Lent could truly satisfy yourself and God, giving you a lasting sense of accomplishment.
Step 6. Once you've made your choice, think about the following questions:
- Is it something I love?
- Is it something I like to eat / drink?
- Is this something important to me?
- Do I think it will be a challenge for Lent?
- Will I appreciate it when I can get it back / do it again at Easter?
- Do I give up because I have to (someone obliges me) or because I want to?
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Is it a real sacrifice?
If you answered yes to all the questions, you have chosen an excellent sacrifice
Step 7. Stick to your word
Let's say you decided to give up on chocolate and it's been a week. Rarely does all this time go by without you having at least one candy and you don't know if you will make it to Easter. Do not give up. Don't give up and don't give up. Jesus did not eat for forty days and we all have to make a small sacrifice in our busy lives. On Easter morning you will be grateful for the sacrifice and more importantly, God will thank you too.
Advice
- If you give in ahead of time, confess to God and try again. It's never too late.
- If you have a bad habit or a bad habit, don't just break it until Easter. Hold on until you have completely overcome it.
- Whether you choose to sacrifice something or not, remember that Lent is a time to pray to Jesus Christ.
- Traditionally, your Lenten sacrifices are dispensed every Sunday until sunset and sunset on Holy Thursday. Many Catholics choose to observe this rule but some continue undeterred until Easter.
