This past Wednesday, Feb. 22, we celebrated Ash Wednesday, and kicked off the liturgical season of Lent. The season commemorates the forty days and nights Jesus spent wandering the desert before his death. Just as Jesus fasted in the desert, so do we. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is an example of how we fast, along with Lenten promises and sacrifices. In this way, we prepare for Jesus’ death and resurrection and honor his sacrifice for us. We asked our fellow Royals what they’re doing to celebrate this Lenten Season:

We can all attest to the hypnotizing effect of TikTok. We think we’re watching a few quick videos, then we are taken aback when we see just how much time has passed. Suddenly, a couple of minutes have turned into a couple of hours. Nicole Ortiz ’23 has decided to give up the addicting app: “This is now the second Lent that I am giving up TikTok. Last year, I was able to go the whole season without watching any TikToks.” 

As a spice lover, Colleen Schmitt ’23 is letting go of her favorite spicy snacks: “I gave up spicy chips this year. I chose to give them up because I know it will be a real struggle for me to abstain, and it will bring me closer to my faith.”

Rather than giving up her favorite social media app or an unhealthy treat, other students are looking to take on other responsibilities for Lent. Looking to grow in spirituality, Kathleen Martinez ’23 shared, “This year, I’m trying to read the Bible more. I hope to read an excerpt of Scripture at least once a week, because I feel like I don’t do that as much as I should.”

Personally, I, Caela Cabal ’23, am staying away from my beloved streaming app: Netflix. With a new season of “Outer Banks” and my ever-growing obsession with “Grey’s Anatomy,” I’ll just say it’s going to be a long forty days. Not to mention, I’ll need to sit out during Saturday movie nights…bummer.

For me, Camila Zavala ‘23, I’ve decided to commit to the tradition of giving up eating meat on Fridays. While this might seem pretty easy for only one day of the week, I am easily tempted by In-N-Out Burgers practically every day. However, I am determined to keep up my Lenten promise. Maybe I’ll even be able to abstain from meat for all of Lent next year. 

The season of Lent is a time for us to reflect on our faith and grow in strength. By giving up certain luxuries and/or dedicating ourselves to a promise, we turn our lives over to Jesus and prioritize God. No matter how difficult it may be to keep our Lenten promises, they ultimately serve to remind us of the importance of putting God at the center of our lives.