Meaning of holy season goes deeper than small sacrifices

By Lee Roberts

Friday, February 20, 2004 7:00 PM CST

Often when we speak of the religious season of Lent, thoughts of giving something up come to mind. People talk of giving up sweets, alcohol or television during Lent as a form of sacrifice during the 40-day period leading up to Easter.

Living without such indulgences may be seen as a way to honor Jesus, who is believed to have spent 40 days fasting and praying in the desert before beginning his public ministry. Yet, the spirit of Lent goes much deeper than that for some.

In simplest terms, Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for some Christians. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, they attend Lenten worship services, pray and, in some cases, make sacrifices, to ready themselves for the religious events commemorated by Easter, such as the death and resurrection of Jesus.

This year, Ash Wednesday is Feb. 25 and Easter is April 11.

For some it is a time for reconciliation with God - a time of reflection, redirection and inner healing.

"Lent is truly a time for a change of heart - for a turning around of ourselves," said The Rev. Stephen Stradinger of St. Mary's By the Lake Catholic Church. "To sin means that we've missed the mark, gotten off the path. And Lent is a time for getting back to the mark."

Traditionally, such processes included fasting, in honor of Jesus' fast. And that fasting is the basis for today's practice of giving up certain foods or luxuries.

"This is not fasting meant to help people lose weight or become fit, but to enable them to be able to relate to the feelings of emptiness and hunger felt by others who don't have enough to eat," Stradinger said. "It is not just a physical hunger, but a spiritual one as well."

Lent is not only a time to realize the needs of others but to actually reach out and help those in need, as in the tradition of giving alms to the poor, Stradinger said. He recalled a time when he was studying to be a priest when he noticed a basket outside the sanctuary with a sign on it that read "G.D.A." When he asked the priest there what the initials stood for, he was told, "Give the Difference Away."

"In other words, if you quit smoking, take the money you save by not buying cigarettes and give it to someone in need, so that you don't profit from it," he said.

Stradinger said he also appreciates seeing a family emphasis placed on the season.

"It is refreshing to see people engaging children in the spirit of Lent," he said. "Children are getting involved in projects such as `Bread for the World' and `Rice Bowl,' and they are becoming aware of the big barrels where food is collected for food pantries. These kinds of things help them to see the international needs, as well as those of people locally."

Doing community service together also gives parents and children the opportunity to reconnect as a family in today's busy world, he said.

"It is a way for everyone to come together," he said.

Among those who honor the Lenten season, different people and different congregations mark its passing in different ways. We asked some area residents what they are doing for Lent. Here's what they said: Lee Roberts 2/19/04 JOHN-- you can mix up the order of these any way you want.

Barbara Presser, St. Richard of Chichester parish, Racine: "As it says in the Letter from St. James, we are to be doers of the word, rather than just hearers of the word. Lent used to be about what you are going to give up, but the emphasis should be on what you are going to do. If you are going to give up drinking, for example, figure out how much money you will save by not drinking and think about what good you could do with that money."

Sister Michelle Olley, Racine Dominican: "It is spring and that means new life is coming - and the best way to nurture new life is to encourage it. I try to give encouraging words to all the good I see. Like the song `Home on the Range' says, `and seldom was heard, a

discouraging word.' " Joan Schinkowitch, St. Richard of Chichester parish, Racine: "Lent is a time that brings us back to reflect on the real meaning in life - a time to think about what we can do here on Earth. It makes you realize that your everyday problems and stresses are really such little things when compared to eternity. I usually give up chocolate for Lent because it is something I really enjoy, and giving it up helps me to realize what life would be like without those things we enjoy. Lent is meant to wake us up and help us see how we can make the Earth a better place for everyone."

Pete Villalpando, St. Sebastian's Congregation, Sturtevant: "It is a time for us to be more prayerful. It is a time to get our minds more focused on the good things in life that we should be thankful for, like family which is more important than anything, and, of course, the adoration for our Lord. As far as giving things up for Lent, as we get older we think more about what's coming and focus less on giving up goodies that we enjoy throughout the year."

Dan Gavin, St. Sebastian's Congregation, Sturtevant: "Lent makes you think about what the Lord has done dying on the cross for us and forgiving our sins. And, when you think about it seriously it gives you the fear that you'd better start following what he commands you to, or you'll be in trouble. I'll probably try to give up candy, again. But really what I want is to be closer to the Lord. You have a better feeling on Easter Sunday when you know you've done something during Lent."

Ellen Stauss, St. Sebastian's Congregation, Sturtevant: "I look forward to Lent. It is a time of sacrifice, but it is not just about giving something up. I have a son in Iraq right now. And it makes you realize that every time you make a sacrifice you get a little more in return. It is such a personal feeling. It seems like a time when your faith really comes together."

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