Students recognize Lent

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Sarah Schuch

The season of Lent began last Wednesday and is a time for Christians, including students at Central Michigan University, to purify themselves and repent.

“It’s an inner personal journey,” said Father Will Prospero of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish at CMU. “It’s about starting over.”

CMU students recognize Lent in a number of unique ways, the Rev. said. Some choose to give up a vice while others choose to take on something extra to bring them closer to God.

“I suggest that they choose a spiritual activity, such as prayer, scripture reading or meditation, and focus on increasing those practices,” said Pastor Charles Farnum of the United Methodist Church at CMU.

Rev. Farnum said students should also try to give up doing or using things that can interfere with their relationships with God.

Fasting, or going without food, is another way in which Christians recognize the season.

Jenna Brusie, North Branch sophomore, said she and a friend choose to fast on Thursdays during Lent.

Brusie said fasting reminds her to pray.

“Every time your stomach growls, you say a little prayer for yourself to get through the day and for people who don’t even have food,” she said.

Rev. Prospero said there are other ways to fast that do not involve food.

“The Pope thinks the best fasting is to fast from words and images,” Father Prospero said. “He’s right on.”

This Lenten season, Rev. Prospero chose to give up watching SportsCenter on TV each evening.

“It’s just worthless with all of the commercials and images,” Father Prospero said. “I can do something else during Lent.”

Giving up vices is easier for people when there is group support, Rev. Prospero said.

“Some churches act as communities and all give up chocolate,” Father Prospero said.

Brusie said she misses her hometown church community going through Lent as a congregation.

“That’s why I fast with a friend,” she said. “We’re each other’s moral support.”

Rev. Farnum recognized the fact that some people give up vices during Lent without understanding the religious importance of their acts. He said that is not a bad thing.

“People do all kinds of things without really understanding why,” Pastor Farnum said. “Some kids drink milk because their mom said so, but I think it still helps them out.”

Lent, which translates to “Spring,” is a period of preparation for Easter, the highest celebration in the Christian year.

“Use Lent to invest time to reflect on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection,” Pastor Farnum said.