The season of Lent is in full swing. 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Having spent 15 years in Catholic School, I learned a lot about Lent, its significance, and the important practices. Having spent the past two years out of Catholic school, I may have forgotten some of this information. Of course, I know the basics: fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, no meat on Fridays, Holy Week, and of course Easter. But even with my little bit of knowledge about the season, there are some questions and thoughts I'm sure all Catholics have during Lent:
1. It's already almost Ash Wednesday? Wasn't Christmas like last week?
2. I swear the Church makes Lent earlier and earlier each year.
3. What should I give up this year?
4. Sweets? Nope. I did that last year. It didn't end too well.
5. Actually, I will give up sweets. Maybe I'll lose some weight. Or get healthier.
6. And this means I can celebrate Fat Tuesday with no shame.
7. I wonder what kind of ashes I'll get. I hope they look nice.
8. This Lent, I'm gonna go to Mass more often. Like more than just on Sunday. Does that still mean I should give something up?
9. Alright here we go. Time to fast.
10. Exactly how small is a "small meal?"
11. And how small are two small meals that add up to one meal? Does that mean only half of my plate?
12. You know what, this fasting thing isn't too bad. Oh wait. Now I can't eat til lunch. It's ok. I can do this.
13. Is it considered cheating if I have something half an hour before lunch? Like a small something? Will I have to go to confession?
14. Ok. Now that Ash Wednesday is over, time to eat meat. Still no sweets.
15. Does chocolate covered fruit count as a sweet? I mean it is fruit.
16. Ugh, Friday. No meat. Again. It's ok. Done it before, can do it again.
17. Why is the dining hall only serving chicken? Or ham? Where can I get some pasta?
18. Is it really cupcake day? They're trying to get me.
19. Well, technically, Sundays don't actually count. So can I move Sunday to today?
20. Yup. Today is going to be Sunday.
21. But then what will I do on Sunday? I'll figure it out when I get there.
22. Alright, only four more weeks. We can do this.
23. I can't wait for Holy Week.
24. Note to self: palms are not a toy. Do not poke people with palms.
25. I'm going to go to the services every day this week. All of them. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
26. Why are they so long?
27. Is this really necessary?
28. I wonder if I'll get anything good in my Easter basket.
29. I hope I don't get soaked during the baptismal promises.
30. Alright, it's Easter. Let's eat.
