Lent, the six-week prelude to Easter, is traditionally a time for sacrifices but can also be a season for making gains, says the Rev. David MacDonald, ONU chaplain.

“Many individuals focus on the aspect of self-denial by giving up something such as a favorite food item,” MacDonald said. “While there is nothing wrong with that practice, Lent can be a season of longer-lasting, more practical impact.”

Rather than merely ditching candy bars for six weeks, Lent provides more meaningful opportunities.

“People ought to think of giving up something that has longer-term impact, something that is holding us back in our spiritual life. Or they can take up something that leads to a healthier lifestyle,” MacDonald advised. “In this way, we can think of the season of Lent as a way of developing practices that become habit-forming.”

“When we give something up, we can also take something up,” MacDonald said. “For example, during Lent, we can daily give up 30 minutes of watching TV and, instead, spend that time reading the Bible. Lent provides an opportunity to improve a spiritual practice and to get rid of some of the stuff that causes clutter in our lives.”

Beyond actions, Lent provides a chance to take inventory of our attitudes, MacDonald says.

“During this time, you can look at the habits that are harming you. You can try out forgiveness, both from whom you need it and who needs it from you. Relationships and how you can strengthen them are important.”

“It all comes down to a person’s intention,” MacDonald said. “Are you making these sacrifices out of a sense of obligation, or do you feel you want to make a change in your life and you are willing to devote 40 days or so to making that adjustment?”

“In this way, we are being true to the spirit of the season of Lent and focusing on fostering a stronger relationship with God.”

Lent is a long-standing Christian tradition, MacDonald explained.

“It has its origins in the church as preparation for baptisms, which often occurred on Easter. From this tradition came the season to confront one’s sin and mortality and to take a step back from everyday life,” MacDonald said. “The whole aspect of fasting, which is a staple of Lent, focuses on fostering a relationship with God. In the Bible, Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His ministry.”

While self-denial is often not a popular concept, it bridges several faiths.

“In talking with people of other faiths, a universal value is fasting. You also see it during Yom Kippur for Jews and the month of Ramadan for Muslims.”

“No matter the season, what is most important to God is our motivation. It is possible to do all of the right things for all of the wrong reasons.”