We begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday and continue the journey together until the joyous day of Easter when we recall Christ’s Resurrection.

Every spring, Christians around the world observe Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, reflection, and sacrifice leading up to Easter. At Walsh Jesuit, many students say the season gives them an opportunity to step back from everyday routines and focus more intentionally on their faith.

Senior Logan Misch said he tries to make Lent meaningful each year by giving up something he enjoys.

“I gave up soda for Lent this year,” Misch said. “It helps me reflect on Lent because it is a daily reminder of its meaning and purpose.”

Other students say the challenge of sacrifice can be difficult at first, but becomes more meaningful over time. Senior Jacob Clark said the experience teaches discipline and self-control.

“At first it’s hard because you’re used to having something all the time,” Clark said. “The process requires you to learn self-control while you engage with your spiritual practices.”

Junior Leilani Hicks chose to give up junk food this year and said the change has already affected her daily routine. “Instead of going to Chick-fil-A after school, I go home now and have some fruit or something healthy,” she said.

Senior James Brewer said Lent can also be an opportunity to focus on positive habits rather than simply giving something up. “I try to do something positive like pray more or read the Bible a little instead,” he said.

Traditionally, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter Sunday. During that time, many Christians fast, pray, and give up certain comforts in order to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and prepare spiritually for Easter.

The Catholic Church teaches that Lent is a time of repentance and spiritual renewal. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing” (§1438).

The late Pope Francis also emphasized the season as a time for renewal and reflection. In one Lenten message, he wrote, “Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer. Above all, it is a time of grace.”

The tradition of reflection and self-examination during Lent has deep roots in Christian history. St. Augustine wrote about humanity’s desire to seek God and spiritual fulfillment. In Confessions, he famously wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

For many students, Lent offers a chance to think more carefully about those ideas and apply them to their own lives. Senior Payton Snyder said she gave up junk food this year and has already noticed some benefits.

“Giving up junk food like TruFru was kind of difficult at first, but I miss it less and less now,” Payton said. “It’s been beneficial because I feel better, and it’s good to know I am participating in Lent this year.”

Still, Payton admitted there is one sacrifice she is not willing to make. “I love Starbucks,” she said. “I’ll give up junk food, but Starbucks? No way.”