A lot of people at JHS participate in Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.
So what is Lent? It is a period of forty days, not counting Sundays, that represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, self-examination and reflection, fasting, and preparation for Easter. Although Sundays are not counted because each Sunday represents a “mini Easter,” not all people think this is right. Most people believe you should not be allowed to have “cheat” days.
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, refers to the day before Lent starts. It’s called “Fat” or “Great” because it’s associated with great food and parties. Ash Wednesday usually begins with a service where church goers recognize their mortality, repent their sins and return to God. Ashes given on Ash Wednesday are a sign of mortality and repentance. Mortality because when people die, their bodies eventually decompose and become ash, and repentance because long ago, when people felt remorse for something they did, they would put ashes on their head to remind them that sin is uncomfortable. The ashes are given in the shape of a cross to remind them of Jesus’ resurrection.
Fasting is an important part of Lent as well. It can be used to help purify your life, by cutting out some of the things that distract you from God. People are supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means eating only one meal on those days.
By participating in Lent, you also agree to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, as well as on Ash Wednesday.
People are also required to give up something they really enjoy, just like Jesus gave his life for believers.
JHS freshmen Claire Lowe decided to give up sweets for Lent. Junior Katie Shafer and senior Natalie Flynn both gave up soda. Senior Bentley Stewart gave up soda and fast food, and senior Kolby Briggs gave up Call of Duty.
Happy Lent!