Let's Make A Promise
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Let's Make A Promise

The Pope speaks of how working harder at being merciful, patient, and kind for 40 days can do more than abstaining from chocolate.

6
Let's Make A Promise

You know those promises everyone makes for Lent? The societal use of Lent as a way to slim down or diet, to cut a bad habit, or even to give up something for the sake of it, all of this has taken away from the true meaning behind it all.

The idea behind Lent originally arose from the imitation of the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent in the desert being tempted by the devil. Faced with challenges, Jesus continued to have faith in God nevertheless. As a Catholic, I was always taught that I replicate this action to prepare my heart for the death and resurrection of Jesus. By giving up something difficult for 40 days, I would be faced with challenges that continued to bring my reason for giving it up, Jesus, to me on a daily basis.

So how has Lent become so generalized? Our Beloved Pope Francis acknowledges the loss of reverence by offering a change to the mediocrity that Lent has become in society. Pope Francis challenges that instead of simply giving something up, rather we try to better ourselves as a whole, better ourselves spiritually. The Pope speaks of how working harder at being merciful, patient, and kind for 40 days can do more than abstaining from chocolate. Pope Francis says, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice," stressing that this time of Lent is a time to celebrate the opportunity to grow and change.

Pope Francis sets the pre-tense for a new approach to Lent that could, with time, re-focus the true meaning of Lent. For there is truth in sacrifice but rather your sacrifice lies in giving up gossip and resentment and hurt which is a calling to do so much more, and to face such harder challenges.

So let's make a promise to each other, and together we can keep it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58384
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37612
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959222
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193527
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments