Using at least 3 of these resources OR one you locate on your own, make an argument for why the observation of Lent is important. Although other christian religions do not observe lent in the same way that we do in the Catholic faith, many do indeed still observe their own lenten customs. So, using a classic argument style, make a case for Lent.
http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/religious-observances/lent/6-reasons-to-observe-lent-even-if-youre-not-catholic.aspx
https://aleteia.org/2017/03/01/heres-why-catholics-dont-eat-meat-on-fridays-during-lent/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/february/13.54.html
It strangely seems sometimes that Catholics are judged for observing Lenten practices. Rules are strict, made up, irrelevant. This may all be true, but it is not about the actual practices themselves. Lent is full of symbols of Christ if you choose to view them as such.
ReplyDeleteWhile some practices such as “Fish Fridays” are seen to be excessive, they truly symbolize something greater. Sacrifices that may seem very little to some are a big deal to others. If I were to give up coffee (ouch), it may not seem like a big deal to someone who does not drink coffee. However, if I drink two cups a day every day (I am always really tired, cut me some slack), it is surely a difficult task. When a person denies themselves a luxury, it is not a punishment. Truthfully, it helps them to better understand the huge sacrifices that Jesus made and allows them to be more thankful for Him (and their coffee). Whether a person is Catholic or not, sacrifices can help to maintain self-control and strengthen appreciation for everything.
As one of the articles above states, Lent is like a second New Year. However, it is way better. If you thinks that New Year’s Eve is fun, you should try Fat Tuesday. It is so much more enjoyable having all of the things that you could want when you know that you cannot have it again for over a month (I am not bitter). Then, all during Lent, the tension builds until it is over and everything is accessible at last and you can have as many chocolate pudding cups as your little heart desires (if that is your thing). Never have I ever wanted a snack more than a fasting day during Lent. For some reason, our bodies have a sick way of making us way more hungry when we specifically know we cannot eat.
Honestly, Lent is chalked up to seem much worse than it is. Good habits can be made, and bad habits can be broken. While I strongly encourage making a sacrifice of giving something up, doing something extra can be even better. If you struggle with it, find someone else to do it with you. I always follow through with things when it is with somebody that I would feel bad bailing on. Good deeds are easy to do and always appreciated. In the end, Lent will make you will come out of it being a better and more grateful person.
I really like how real you are about your argument, because it is true that we are judged, people literally call us squids. I like how you also related this to New Years because that is a great comparison.
DeleteEmma, your discussion of Lent and the sacrifices associated with it really argued the true meaning of Lent. The sacrifices behind it are not supposed to be seen as “strict, made up, irrelevant” as you stated. When they are seen this way, little room exists for spiritual growth.
DeleteYou made a good statement of saying “Lent is chalked up to seem much more worse than it is.” I completely agree with this statement. People make it out to be such a challenge when really it is only forty days.
DeleteThis argument was funny and relatable giving lent a sort of fun side. You did a great job explaining how lent is a good thing. Great job!
DeleteI really like how you added some humor into it, I also liked how you talked about lent giving us a deeper understanding of sacrifice of Jesus. Good job!
DeleteThe liturgical season of Lent is one that comes with sacrifice, but with this sacrifice comes a great reward. However, many do not see it in this way, but rather, they see the observance as a time when Catholics get ashes put on their foreheads and eat a lot of fish. Despite this thought, a much more profound meaning lies at the heart of the observance — a time of preparation for the ultimate sacrifice, a way to share in this sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, truly observing Lent requires sacrifice; it requires a certain level of discipline and selflessness that ultimately bring about personal growth. This observance — this sacrifice “offered up” — mirrors Christ’s suffering and temptation in the desert for a total of forty days. During Lent, those who partake in it are given the opportunity to walk in the shoes of Christ, and as a result, grow in relationship with Him. By “walking in His shoes,” lenten observers take the suffering they experience and the temptation that follows and direct it towards their spiritual development, bringing them towards the greater goal of eternal life.
Now, some might say that Lent does not have such a profound meaning. “Abstaining from meat is stupid. It won’t help me.” So many say this, including myself, but at this point, the meaning of Lent is lost. If you wouldn’t find abstaining from meat on Fridays, then aim for something else. Observing Lent really isn’t about following every tradition in the book and being like everyone else; it’s truly about finding something that will change you and bring you a deeper understanding of yourself and your faith. As I said, I once faced that same exact mentality, but this year, after breaking away from the idea that Lent is about following a bunch of rules that may seem irrelevant on the surface, I came to the realization that it is about change and selflessness. This change of perspective and revelation of the true meaning of Lent has had such a deep impact on me as I grow in my relationship with Christ, and I hope that you can experience the same.
The profound meaning of Lent is one that has changed so many and has given them the ability to grow closer to Christ. This idea has been ridiculed time and time again as a Catholic tradition with a lack of meaning, but it is clear that this is simply not true. Take a step forward and make a lenten promise; allow your heart and soul to be changed by the power of the liturgical season. If it changed me, it will change you.
this was so good! I completely forgot to mention the time in the desert which I think many people also do. The main idea is giving stuff up, fasting and no meat where as you mentioned all the other little things people forget, which is great.
DeleteI liked your mention of perspective. Like Mrs. Messineo says, we change most when we switch from “I have to” to “I get to”. We need to see Lent as a good thing.
DeleteI agree with Kristen, I thought the incorporation of Jesus and the time he spent in the desert was a great addition. I also like that you admitted that you yourself have questioned abstaining from meat because there’s definitely people who act like they’re sacrificing as much as they can, but secretly complain about it 24/7 and dread the season. Not many people own up to that.
DeleteIsaac, I really enjoyed your argument. It is very true that Lent requires sacrifice, discipline, and selflessness. Lent has changed lives.
DeleteIn the Catholic church, symbols are used everyday to show other people in the world about our culture and responsibilities. One of the most popular responsibilities in the church is observing how the Lord works everyday, especially during the season of Lent. As one of the most holiest times of the year, Christians are asked to sacrifice objects near and dear to their hearts. This is so important, especially in modern times, because people forget the true meaning of their lives. We are to be working for God by spreading the good news of His existence and deeds. With sacrifice, prayer and fasting being the main goal of Lent, the importance of observations heightens. Observing the ashes and the words said as they are placed upon our foreheads symbolize the dust from which God made Adam and Eve. Then Friday comes along and we fast all day without eating meat because we honor the Passion of Jesus. Fasting is used as a disciplined act showing our loyalty to Christ. Then we are also encouraged to give something up for Lent as a sacrificial offering to God. I love Pepsi, I honestly have cravings for it at times. So I gave it up and I'm seriously struggling because it is all around me all the time. But I have been faithful and I'm trying my absolute best to continue throughout the rest of Lent. Lastly, the final days of Lent. We take time out of the day and put away all technologies for a few hours to really reflect and see what we have done to improve ourselves through Lent. On Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday we spend time at church reflecting and going through stations of the cross to remember the hurt and pain that Jesus went through for us to go to Heaven. This should be our biggest observance. It should have a deep impact on everyone because Jesus died and rose from the dead to save us and we didn't even do anything to ask Him to do it. He did it out of self love for us. He gave us every opportunity in life and we owe Him the world. But this can only be seen from observing Lent. Without looking around us, we would have no idea how truly great God is.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/lent-in-the-catholic-church/
DeleteKristen, the meaning you put behind your blog this weekend was truly inspiring and convincing! We rarely take the time to step back and reflect, as we are so caught up in everything that goes on around us. Clearly, Lent is a great time to do just that as we (hopefully) give up that which prevents us from taking that step back. Great perspective!
DeleteI like how you point out that Jesus didn’t ask us to die for us; He just did it because He loves us. We make such a big deal out of something so small. Great work!
DeleteThis is written extremely well and I really enjoyed your topic! I like how you incorporated how you gave up Pepsi and how much of a struggle it has been to not drink it. Through your faith, you are finding the courage to continue to abstain from it. That is very powerful. Great work!
DeleteI really like how you talked about lent bringing true meaning to someone’s life. Good job!
DeleteGrowing up as a Catholic, Lent is another season in the Church that comes and goes. Now, I do not mean that as a bad thing; however, I have become so accustomed to the details that occur during Lent. For example, everyone wears ashes on the first day, fasting occurs, no eating meat on Fridays, and the sacrifices that everyone makes. Even though all of these details seem pointless, there is a very significant reason as to why we celebrate Lent this way. Now, why do we wear ashes on our foreheads? Ashes symbolize death and repentance. They are equivalent to dust and according to the Bible, our flesh is made out of dust. Ashes are a sign to God that we are asking for forgiveness. The reason we make so many sacrifices during Lent is because Jesus loves us so much they he died so we could be saved. He did died for our faith because He wanted us to go to Heaven and meet the Creator when the time came. Making sacrifices during Lent is a great way to expand our faith, but why do we not sacrifice something everyday? We should really all be trying to sacrifice something everyday, even if it is just spending five minutes of your time in quiet prayer. It is argued as to why we do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent. I tried to do some research as to if we eat fish because of the feeding of the 5,000. Personally, I believe this is why fish is so sacred during Lent. Jesus was able to feed so many people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The fish we eat on Friday is a symbol of this biblical story. Lent is the time that helps us prepare for the greatest thing ever — the resurrection of Jesus. The forty days leading up to Easter is supposed to help us become a better person. Lent is so much more meaningful than anyone could ever imagine.
ReplyDeleteI had to incorporate my favorite quote for Lent..
"Are you capable of risking your life for someone? Do it for Christ."
-Pope John Paul II
http://thecatholicspirit.com/holy-days/lent/why-do-we-receive-ashes-on-ash-wednesday-2/
http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/religious-observances/lent/6-reasons-to-observe-lent-even-if-youre-not-catholic.aspx
https://aleteia.org/2017/03/01/heres-why-catholics-dont-eat-meat-on-fridays-during-lent/
You did a really job making connections between the sacrifices and what they mean, such as connecting eating fish with the feeding of the 5,000. It seems you have a pretty good understanding behind the season.
DeleteI think your emphasis on the significance of symbolism in the Catholic faith was really well done. It is honestly a crucial part of our tradition and heritage. When we forget the real meaning behind everything we do we begin to fall into the motions. There is really no better way to interact with our faith than to be actively aware of the significance behind what it is that we do. I also have to add that I found your John Paul II quote to be rather poignant. Overall, I would say this was a job well done.
DeleteLent is just another season in the liturgical calendar where we have to observe stupid customs that are a waste of time and don’t benefit anyone, right? Sadly a lot of people go through lent with this attitude or something similar, which is a really a shame. Although it is a cliche, lent is truly one of those seasons where you get out what you put in. If you go through the motions every year, complaining and whining about what you have to do, you aren’t going to get anything out of it. Even though you’re still observing common traditions, such as getting ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday, not eating meat on Fridays, fasting in between meals, all on top of personal sacrifices made, you are not strengthening your relationship with God at all since you are basically acting like following those traditions is a chore. There is no constructive emotion behind your actions, and you aren’t really aiming to get anything out of it. Luckily, this does not have to be the case every year.
ReplyDeleteLent is the time to prepare for the ultimate sacrifice, and through preparing, we can make our own sacrifices. Sacrifices do require discipline, especially the ones observed by Catholics in lent. However, maintaining a positive attitude about following the sacrifices is just as important as actually doing them. Ashes on Ash Wednesday start the season off, helping our season begin with remembering the ideas of death and repentance. We fast and abstain from eating meat, honoring the Passion and the suffering Jesus endured. Lastly, there is the personal sacrifices made, which can really vary in any number of things. However, it seems though that people pick things to give up that would be a safe bet, and not really challenge them. To maximize your lent, you must challenge yourself, not only with your self discipline, but with your mindset as well. Giving time to reading scripture and trying to understand the real purpose behind the sacrifices being made is so much more productive than moping about what you have to “give up” and acting like it’s a chore to do.
Link
http://www.catholic.org/lent/story.php?id=67361
I really like the tone of your arguement. It seems strict, but it also provides reasoning behind Lent and its parts. Also, I like how your refutatio was throughout the entire blog. Great job!
DeleteSince the beginning of time, Christians have always been criticized. I mean for real here, half of the teachings in the Bible are about people being killed for their beliefs. We as Christians are taught not to give in to these temptations that criticism bring to the table.
ReplyDeleteSome of the biggest of these criticisms comes from lent. Lent Is a time when we fast and prepare for the Lord’s death and resurrection. While the whole idea of no meat on Fridays or of giving something up may seem stupid, it is actually super important. Easter is the biggest holy day of the whole year, it only makes sense that we must truly prepare ourselves. When we walk around with ashes on our forehead, it is us declaring ourselves as sinners, and stating that we all need to do better. We do this not because it looks cool, or for attention, but because it is an outward sign of grace. Other Christian church’s are strangely similar. Take the Baptist Church for example. They might not do any of the fancy stuff, but they still have the same exact meanings behind it all. Another reason why lent is so beneficial is the strange power that comes from it. You see, fasting is a type of prayer, and a strong one at that. This prayer can make rest things happen when we offer up our fasting and suffering to an intention. The power of lent is unbelievable, therefore it is not a waste of time at all. One should instead devote their time into lent. You know what they say, “you get out what you put in.”
You did an excellenf job of explainig Lent and why it is so important. I like how you stated that fasting is a form of prayer. I’ve never thought of it like that. Great job!
DeleteI really like your honest assertion of Christian criticism. It provides a nice opening for your argument. I also really enjoyed your explanation of Ash Wednesday, it is a day that is normally difficult to summarize, but you did well. A very good argument, overall.
DeleteLent for Catholics is a time to prepare ourselves for the death of Jesus, our Savior. Fasting and penance are two main ways Catholics prepare. Doing these services are an offering to God for all the wrong we have committed and a plea for forgiveness. Many believe that Lent is not necessary because God’s grace along can save us, yet Jesus had to suffer for us. The traditions during Lent also help us grow closer to God. Lent has two main traditions: fasting and a personal penance. Fasting means one should not eat between meals on certain days and not eat meat. Not eating meat is a sign to God that His people will give up their good things in order to feel his suffering. Meat may seem like such a little sacrifice, but the tradition has a great importance. Meat used to be only used on special occasion and abstaining from it is a sacrifice. A personal sacrifice would be to give up aa object that seems impossible to live without, such as a food or social media. Another form of this is to do a certain act everyday, such as a novena or an act of kindness. These traditions are all a sacrifice for Jesus and to put people in the right mindset for his death. These acts may be difficult, but they are not impossible because Jesus gave His life for us, the ultimate sacrifice. Lent is also used as a time for self discipline. In life, people can fade away from God and forget Him. During Lent, one can grow closer to God through the sacrifices and extra prayer services. A relationship with God is important in order to be saved just like Jesus saves us. Also, bad habits can be fixed and better ones, such as a prayer time, can be picked up. God loves us and during Lent we can get to know Him and His ways better. To many, grace alone can save us. Personally, this does not make sense because if grace alone can save us, Jesus would not have had to come down, become man, and die for us. Also, Jesus physically performed miracles, not just with grace. He continually told people to go into the world and do good in the Lord’s name. Grace is necessary for forgiveness, but it is not the only factor. Catholics celebrate Lent as a repentance and sign of love for God and all He has done for us. He gave us His life, so the least we can do is properly prepare for Him.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/religious-observances/lent/6-reasons-to-observe-lent-even-if-youre-not-catholic.aspx
Deletehttps://aleteia.org/2017/03/01/heres-why-catholics-dont-eat-meat-on-fridays-during-lent/
https://rcg.org/articles/ttmol.html
Maddie, you did a phenomenal job with this blog. You really captured the true meaning of Lent and the traditions of Catholics. Great job!
DeleteLent is a time for sacrifice that should be for everyone, not only Catholics. During lent people give up something that is important to them or that they do often. Lent allows for personal and moral growth. Lent helps to get rid of bad habits in people, which is why it's so important. The true meaning behind lent is strewn because people make it out to be entirely
ReplyDeletebad. Sure sacrificing is hard, but with sacrifice comes reward and happiness. The main symbol of our Lenten promises is the ashes on our foreheads. This symbolizes our reputation as sinners and that we need to sacrifice in order to become better. Lent helps bring us closer to God and our most important goal of getting to heaven. By wearing the crown of thorns like Jesus did we become better people overall. Lent isn't just a time for Catholics, but for everyone to offer it up to God or even for yourself. It can turn bad habits into good ones that could last for a life time. The reward is greater than the sacrifice. In my own personal experience lent has not only helped better me as a catholic, but even in my overall health. This past year I gave up eating in between meals, which is very difficult for me, but it is helping to teach me self discipline and is taking me away from junk foods. Lent is an amazing time which should be celebrated instead of ridiculed.
While very concise, your argument was solid. Your discussion of how sacrifice is really what Lent is all about was great. And it is certainly true, as we are preparing to celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus. Nice work!
DeleteHere we are in Lent, a time in which we Catholics prepare to celebrate Easter, the time when we celebrate Jesus’ passion, death, and Resurrection. Without a doubt, Catholics go crazy with Lenten observances in comparison to other religions. While onlookers are quick to write the observance of Lent off as another crazy practice of a religion many think is full of overly-pious, full-of-themselves, better-than-thou lunatics. But if one sits down and gives Lent a good go-over, it is quite clear that Lent is more than just a six-week period of insanity. Lent is a way of putting oneself in a proper state of mind to realize what Jesus’ death really means for humanity.
ReplyDeleteLent truly puts a person in a better position to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ life and realize how His life and death affects the future of humanity. By giving up a little comfort and fasting, one gets a taste of what sacrifice is. By sacrificing some comfort, the Lenten observer is able to see what Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did for mankind. While the sacrifices of the observer pale in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice of His life for the sake of human salvation, they still help the observer realize the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice. Even the smallest sacrifices have great meaning. For example, the common sacrifice of forgoing meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday is a big, meaningful sacrifice. Not eating eat allows the observer to “gladly suffer with Christ that [he] may one day be glorified with Him.” (Kosloski) By bringing Jesus’ passion into focus, observers are then able to focus on the entirety of Jesus’ ministry and what it did for humanity. Observers are called to recall everything Jesus preached, which allows them to focus on forgiving those who have wronged them, seeking to make right their own wrongdoings, purifying the soul, and living in a way that puts God first.
Some may argue that extensive sacrifice is not necessary, and that one should always be thinking about what Jesus did for mankind. While the latter half of this argument is definitely true (people really should always remember Jesus’ life and death), sacrifice helps to take the mind off other things and focus EXCLUSIVELY on Jesus for a little while. Lent is like a second New Year, and just as one focuses on the betterment of self on January 1, Lent allows a person to focus on the betterment of faith. Because sacrifice is a way of cleansing the soul, one can observe the Easter Triduum with a newfound purity and respect for Jesus that helps bring His Passion, death, and Resurrection front-and-center.
While Lent may seem frivolous, it is quite the opposite. Lent allows the observer to refocus on what is important in preparation for the observance of Jesus’ death, which achieved eternal life for humanity. Sacrifice is hard, but it is all worth it in the end. A Chinese proverb states, “The journey is the reward.” By recognizing that sacrifice in preparation for Easter rewards the Lenten observer with purity of heart and of soul, the observer is then able to realize how important Lent really is.
Yes! “Lent is a way of putting oneself in a proper state of mind to realize what Jesus’ death really means for humanity.” That sentence captures the essence of the Lenten season flawlessly, and every other point you make only serves to strengthen that conclusion. You make it perfectly clear that Lent, as it should be, is introspective and sacrificial in it’s observation. Honestly, this blog is incredibly well done. Really, good job.
DeleteLent is all about remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and using this remembrance to think about all of the things we as Catholics struggle with. We also have a chance to reflect on our lives and ask God for help to make them better. We give up our temptation for lent such as drinking pop or we try to do something good for someone else each day. During Lent we observe Jesus’ sacrifice via special church services and Stations of the Cross. Lent is such an important part of The Catholic liturgical year.
ReplyDeleteThe sacrifices we make during Lent are important for our soul and show God that we care about Him and His son. It helps us grow as a person and in our faith. It also gives people a chance to apologize to the people in their lives. We can do this anytime throughout the year, but the season of Lent makes people think that they should go and apologize. Another form of prayer and remembrance is fasting. It is not just Catholics that fast during Lent. In fact, all of the major religion require fasting at some point in the year.
Most non-Catholics think we are crazy for not eating meat on Fridays. This is just a way for us to acknowledge Jesus’ suffering sacrifice and our own. People also question why the food of choice for Friday’s is fish and why is it not considered a meat. To answer this, the Church says that meat comes from land animals and fish are from the water.
Lent is such an important time for Catholics because we get closer to Jesus during this time. We get to celebrate many great days such as Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Fat Tuesday is when we get to pile on all of the snacks we are giving up for Lent. The next day for a Ash Wednesday we receive ashes on our foreheads and remember Jesus. On Good Friday we acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice and his death, but on Easter Sunday, we rejoice for His resurrection. Lent is an awesome time for Catholic to do great things and rejoice in Jesus Christ.
You did a great job explaining the significance of lent. You made some very good points and backed them
DeleteUp well.
Wow. The first paragraph was pretty deep. I love how you set the record straight with what Lent is supposed to be before you dove into how secular culture treats it. And yes, I also find it somewhat disturbing how it is either scoffed at or made into something that removes it entirely from its purpose. I also felt your refutation was very good, because it is very true that Lent can be celebrated by non-Catholics for the same reason we do. Great work!
ReplyDeleteWhy bother? It is a question very few people actually stop to ask themselves. Why bother? Every day, millions of Americans go to the same building they went to the day before, doing the same job they were doing the day before, and never breaking that perpetual cycle. People go to church, go to school, go to work, and go home, rarely stopping to question what they are doing, and never asking why they bother with it all.
ReplyDeleteLent is the Catholic way of stopping and asking why we do this. It provides the answer to why we take time out of the day for God. Lent is a time of sacrifice. It is a way to connect to Jesus, in His suffering on the cross. Lent allows one to create a perspective on what life is like. How good one truly has it. Practitioners offer up their pain, their struggles, and their difficulties to God, and they allow themselves to become better people as a result.
“But why bother with the whole meat thing? That seems a little extreme.” Avoiding meat for a few days is not difficult, but it still offers perspective. It gives practitioners another way to offer their struggles to God. It is easy for one to notice that they are unable to eat meat, but it is difficult for anyone else to pick up on it. People offer their sacrifice in a way very few people can notice. Going vegetarian for a day is nothing compared to hanging on the cross for hours, blood pouring out of hundreds of opened wounds. Nothing is extreme when put next to that sacrifice. Not eating meat is just another way of offering up trouble. They are giving grievances to God. So why bother? Bother because God saved you.
Anna, you did a great job telling us about the spiritual aspect of Lent and how we sort of twist the real meaning of it. Your refutation was spot on and it really showed how much you know and care about this subject.
ReplyDelete