It's that time of year. Lent starts this week, the tenth so right now millions of Catholics across the world are experiencing the same thing: the struggle of what to give up for Lent. Deciding what to give up was so much easier as a child. You picked one of your favorite foods and gave it up, because that's the least you could do for Jesus. I guarantee that I gave up ice cream three years in a row.
You would think it'd be easier to figure out what to give up by now after having so much practice, but it's not any easier! There are so many things that I love that I could give up for Lent, but the struggle is figuring out which thing to give up. So in honor of this yearly Catholic struggle, here's a list of things that you should totally give up for Lent.
1. Going to class.
How are you supposed to pray and talk with God during Lent if you're expected to go to class all day?
2. Doing homework.
OK, I guess we are paying for class, so we should at least show-up. But homework takes up so much time you could be praying, so that's got to go.
3. Doing laundry.
This may just be me, but I always feel guilty that I use so much water and electricity when I wash my clothes, so maybe I should buy enough clothes for 40 odd days and give up laundry.
4. Washing dishes.
Come on, this should be a no-brainer. While dishes aren't as bad as laundry, it's still a lot of water, plus what if someone needs to use the faucet while you're doing the dishes! That's rude. You shouldn't be rude during Lent.
5. Eating healthy food.
Everyone who gave up sweets is going to need something to eat, so it would be rude to take their food. Do your part and eat all of the sweets for them.
6. Talking to other people.
How are people supposed to be able to pray all of Lent if you're talking to them all the time? Maybe Catholics shouldn't talk to each other during Lent because, let's face it, we should all probably be talking to God instead.
7. Calling your parents.
Come on, this is even worse than just talking to other people. Your parents have to stop what they're doing to talk to you and what if they were in the middle of their Lenten promise? YOU JUST RUINED LENT! You should definitely not talk to your parents during Lent at all. Don't even think about it.
8. Going to church.
What if you take the seat of that little old lady who depends on church to get her through Lent. Plus, some little kid might stare at you the whole time and not pay attention to the priest. It would probably be better for everyone if you just didn't go to church for all of Lent. Pray to God in your own room (but do it quietly so you don't inconvenience your roommate).
Good Luck to all of my fellow Catholics this season and remember: it doesn't matter what you do for Lent as long as it brings you closer to God.
