Lent 2025 ✝️🙏
Lent 2025 starts Ash Wednesday March 5 and end on Easter Sunday April 20!
Since this is my first Lent away from my family since I am at college I came up with some goals I wanted to achieve to get closer to God and what things I wanted to give up.
WHAT IM DOING
No sweet treats: my friends and I normally get some type of dessert after lunch and dinner when we eat at the dining hall and I realized that has left a bad impact on my diet. After every meal I find myself eyeing the dessert area to see what sweets they have out and even when I am not at the dining hall I always want a dessert right after. I wanted to challenge myself to not give in to the temptation of eating a sweet treat after every lunch or dinner meal.
Fasting lunch: My classes are scheduled weirdly this semester where on some days I have about an hour to eat before my class or a very long time gap for lunch. Sometimes this leads to me over eating to compensate for the long hours I will be stuck in lectures. My plan is to fast lunch and only eat breakfast and dinner.
Making my bed: At the beginning of the semester i was very good about making my bed each morning but as the weeks passed i stopped caring. So for 40 days I’m going to make my bed every morning before i go to class.
MY GOALS
Go to mass: I haven’t been to mass in a long time and I personally feel like that has messed up my relationship with god, so I am going to challenge myself to go to mass once a week, either on campus or at the church near my school.
Practice Spanish: Spanish is my minor and I haven’t had a Spanish class since last semester and I can feel my progress going away.
Journaling: I do journal but I want to be more consistent, rather than one or two entries a week.
It's amazing how a new environment, like college, can really shift your perspective on spiritual practices, especially during Lent. This year, for Lent 2025, I'm finding that my goals are deeply personal, not just about giving things up, but truly building habits that bring me closer to God and a more disciplined life. If you're also navigating Lent away from home or just looking for fresh ideas, here are some thoughts from my own journey that might resonate with you. One of the biggest challenges for me has been managing my diet, particularly the constant availability of 'no sweet treats' in the dining hall. Giving up those post-meal desserts might seem small, but it's a daily act of self-control. It reminds me that Lent isn't just about grand gestures, but about those consistent, often unnoticed, sacrifices that build spiritual muscle. This practice ties into the broader theme of 'christian lent fasting practices.' Fasting isn't just about food; it's about intentionally creating space for God by removing distractions or comforts. For instance, my decision to try 'fasting lunch' on certain days stems from wanting to break patterns of overeating and instead use that time for reflection or prayer. It's a way to acknowledge hunger, not just of body, but of spirit, and turn it towards divine sustenance. Another area I'm focusing on is integrating faith with my academic life, especially with 'practice Spanish.' It might sound unconventional for Lent, but I realized that language can be a powerful tool for connection. Imagine praying the Rosary in Spanish or reading devotional texts from Latin American authors—it opens up a whole new dimension of faith. This is where 'christian lent in spanish' takes on a deeper meaning for me. It’s not just about academics; it's about expanding my spiritual vocabulary and understanding. My 'Lent GOALS' also include ensuring I 'go to mass every Sunday.' It's so easy to let busy college schedules push spiritual commitments aside. But making that weekly pilgrimage, whether to the campus chapel or a local church, grounds me. It's a moment of community, reflection, and receiving the Eucharist, which feels incredibly important when I'm missing the comfort of my family church. It helps me focus on the journey of Christ, preparing for Easter. Beyond the big commitments, I'm embracing smaller, daily disciplines. 'Make bed every morning' isn't just about tidiness; it's about starting the day with an accomplished task, bringing order to my physical space, which often translates to mental and spiritual clarity. And 'journal every day' has become my sanctuary. It's where I process my thoughts, track my progress, and have honest conversations with God. It helps me stay mindful of my intentions and gives me a space to reflect, especially on 'Lent day 1' and as the days progress, to truly understand the spiritual impact of my choices. These simple acts, when done consistently and with intention, can truly transform your Lent into a period of profound personal and spiritual growth.