I know I’m not the most religious person, especially since I’ve been disconnected from church and religious teachings and learning, but 9 years of Catholic school drilling thoughts and beliefs into my head AND just common sense have led me to fervently believe this:
If you’re going to participate in Lent, actually do it wholeheartedly and because you truly want to grow in faith. Don’t do it because your friends are or because you wanna feel good about yourself knowing you’re trying to be a better person who doesn’t cuss or eat junk food or whatever. I know I’m not God or anything, but no one would really care if you gave stupid, insignificant things like that up for 40 days & nights. Sure you may expand your vocabulary, make a better diet, or benefit in some way…but in terms of your faith, tell me how that’s supposed to make you a better Catholic? How is not cussing anymore going to open your heart to God? How is giving up certain food going to make you talk to God more? To do good in society? To give your heart entirely in return for something that may never come?
So honestly, if you REALLY cared about Lent and your faith, you wouldn’t bullshit God with a sacrifice like that. Sacrifice wholeheartedly something that will create a better, stronger, and more faithful person in 40 days and nights. Prove to the Lord that you are truly REPENTING FROM YOUR SINS, after all those ashes? Those ashes are not only to remind us that we come from dust an will return to dust someday, but also that we will repent during this time. I get that some of the petty things are simply a small part of our Lenten goals, but seriously, grow up and focus on something much more meaningful than that. Invest in true goodness these 40 days and nights and God will reward you.