Each year, Lent is an important part of many people’s lives, showing dedication to their faith. Most commonly practiced by Catholics, it is a period of fasting from something and spending extra time on religious activities. It is done to commemorate Jesus’ fasting in the desert. The period lasts for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter, excluding Sundays.
According to History.com, the name of the celebration comes from the word “lencten,” which means spring. Lent dates back to just after Christ’s death and resurrection, as early Christians fasted for a time before Easter. After Christianity became a legal religion in the year 313, the tradition became more and more practiced. The 40 day time period comes from the heavy significance of the number in the Bible, and the exemption of Sundays is because Sundays are seen as the day of feasting.
Eaton High School has many students that are participating in Lent, giving up certain goods or habits to help them focus on God. Senior Brooklyn Tribbett said, “I decided to pray the rosary every night while I go on a walk for Lent this year. I realize I have been on my phone too much and want to spend more time praying and focusing on Jesus.” She did not necessarily choose to give something up, but instead to replace screen time with prayer. Tribbett also took an extra step to help her to stay committed to her goal. She said, “I also joined an app called ‘Hallow’ to help guide me in my prayers since they have a 40 day prayer thing for Lent and a lot of Catholic speakers on there that talk about their faith.” It is always important to set priorities straight and to have a plan when trying to accomplish something so serious. Tribbett executed this perfectly this year for Lent.
Peyton Pettinger (28), decided to give up a certain food for Lent. He said, “I’m giving up candy. [Mostly] the bagged and boxed kinds.” He has decided to steer clear from sweets and to deny himself that luxury. He said, “Jesus went without food and water for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, so I can give up candy for a couple weeks.” Pettinger acknowledges Jesus’ experience and how much more significant it was than cutting out candy.
These students, along with millions of other believers around the world, clearly take this tradition very seriously. Tribbett said, “Lent means to focus on your faith and to try to separate yourself from the things the world wants you to focus on. We try to remember to focus on the meaning from Ash Wednesday that ‘You are dust, and to dust you shall return.’” She and Pettinger have been great examples of this meaning and are prime leaders in their Catholic faith at Eaton High School. By living out these values with sincerity, they demonstrate that Lent is more than a season of fasting. It is a journey of faith that shapes genuine habits and connection.
