This post is written in the spirit of Mardi Gras, though not under the influence of spirits.
Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," has been celebrated in Europe since the Middle Ages. Sometimes referred to as "the feast before the fast," it is meant to be a period of indulgence before Ash Wednesday and the following 40 days of Lent penance.
Originally a Roman Catholic practice, many Protestants have embraced Lent in their churches as well, making it fairly common amongst Americans in today's society. Though it is never mentioned in the Bible, the practice of Lent is derived from the 40-day period during which Jesus fasted in the Judean desert whilst being tempted by Satan.
Ah, Lent. In modern America, another prescribed opportunity to push the reset button and better your life for 40 whole days. Then, come Easter Sunday, the self-fulfillment and pride you'll have for "being good" for 2.8 fortnights will find you back to your old self again.
Lent, as most of you know it, is a farce.
As far as I'm concerned, the practice of Lent for most Americans is cut from the same cloth as New Year's resolutions. Only Lent is worse. At least New Year's resolutions are sectarian; modern American Lent is under the guise of being an actual religious holiday. Today's practice of Lent, when compared to its original intentions, is a slap in God's face. Why? Because it is penitent-less. Now, in staying true to my beliefs on New Year's resolutions, I don't participate in Lent either. But I know plenty of people who do- rather, think they do.
Here's a fact that is going to blow some of your minds: Lent is not about what you give up. It's about what you do in the place of what you give up.
More breaking news for all you Lent-ers: God does not care about how fat you are or how much Jersey Shore you watch. Surrendering sweets, relinquishing reality T.V., abstaining from alcohol... these are all great things to do to better improve your stock on earth, but it doesn't necessarily mean you're impressing the Big Guy upstairs.
Lent, as it was originally intended, is a period in which you're supposed to carve out a certain chunk of your day (a chunk in which you normally do something else, regularly) and spend that time with God, fast, and offer service to the poor (read more here). And the "no red meat" thing? Yes, you are supposed to do that. But you're also supposed to give up lots of other eats, fasting regularly to convey to God that you believe He alone can sustain you. In other words, your opting for the chicken nuggets instead of the Big Mac at McDonald's this Friday is not going to bring you closer to Sainthood.
This post isn't meant to be sanctimonious or in any way admonishing. As I've already stated, I don't even participate in Lent. Be you atheist, Hindu, Catholic, Pagan, Taoist, et al.- I'm just trying to objectively shed some light on the masses on what this now-pseudo religious event is really about.
Then again, modern American society has cheapened every originally-religious holiday already (Christmas= Santa, presents, fruit cake; Easter= bunny, candy, painted eggs), so I guess Lent is just dutifully falling in line. At least we're consistent.
Tonight, as you don your masks and beads, hoist your chalices, tune into Real Housewives and pig out on sweets, remember to pause for a moment and enjoy it- because chances are you'll be giving up one of those indulgences in your misguided yet good-intentioned next 40 days of "Lent."
