By: Philip Berkwit
Lent started early this year, with Ash Wednesday landing on February 18. The Christian tradition is a buildup to Easter. The practice spans for 40 days in which Christians fast, pray and give. Lent is meant to parallel the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew where Christians believe Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. After these 40 days, Jesus was tempted by the devil but did not fall for any of his tricks. Historians believe lent became a tradition for Christians in the second century.
Muslims are taking part in Ramadan which similarly landed on February 18. Ramadan is a 30 day fast meant to reflect when Muslims believe Muhamad gained the revelation of the Quaran which is also considered the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe Muhamad took part in Ramadan for nine years until his death. It became a tradition for Muslims starting in 624 AD.
Depending on denominations, many Christians take part in lent in different ways. The Catholic Church make Ash Wednesday and Good Friday mandatory days of fasting. However, the rest of the days of lent are in many ways based on the convictions of a person. Many Christians choose to give up something they see as a luxury in order to replace it with the likes of prayer and devotionals to put their focus on Jesus. There is likewise an emphasis on almsgiving (participating in charity and giving).
“I think it’s important to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and to see what we can give up and what we can do to be more mindful of our spirituality and what were supposed to be doing. It’s nice to just slow down and go back to what we should be doing, “stated Thomas Phelps, a student at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS)
“I think it’s important to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and to see what we can give up and what we can do to be more mindful of our spirituality”
Thomas Phelps (12)
“I gave up video games and limited my screen time so then I could work on schoolwork and other work at those times where I would be on my phone and scrolling” stated Cooper Pratt, a senior at PVHS
Ramadan is in some ways stricter. It requires full abstinence from food, water and sex during daylight hours. Muslims are required to give to a specific charity. Zakat al-Fitr (or Fitriana) is a donation paid by all Muslims.
Zakat al-Fitr (or Fitriana) ensures that poor members of the community have enough food to eat on the day of Eid or “The Festival of Breaking the Fast.” This festival was established by Muhammad in 622 AD. It is celebrated for over 3 days and is a celebration of gratitude.
The Catholic Relief Service (CRS) Rice Bowl is one of the most popular organizations during lent. It is the official Lenten program of CRS which is a fundraiser meant to combat global poverty and hunger.
Other Christian denominations also partake in donations with The Salvation Army setting up a 40-day challenge “to do the most good.” The organization states that its goal is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.” During Lent the organization is especially challenging its members, asking them to consider donating 40 food items, 40 clothing items and 40 dollars to the organization.
Graphic done by Philip Berkwit
