By Bethany Bella

For those of the Gahanna Lincoln High School readership who are not of the Christian faith, many students have doubtlessly wondered just what exactly Lent means and the practices behind the season of Lent. Lent traditionally marks the period of 40 days and nights before the most important event in the Christian Liturgical year -- Easter Sunday. During this time, Christians are asked to abstain from all meats on Ash Wednesday, or the beginning of the Lenten season, on all Fridays, and on the Holy Weekend before Easter. Prayer and reflection are also encouraged for Christians in addition to their abstinence from meats in hopes to bring about a cleansed conscience over the course of this time period. The Catholic Christian denomination in particular holds the Lenten season in great reverence. Many of the Catholics across the world have made a custom to give up something during the 40 days of Lent, along with observing the required days of fasting. American Catholics face the yearly challenge of, What will I give up this year? Over the years, American Catholics have abstained from products such as carbonated drinks, candy or sweets, while some even abstain from frivolous shopping sprees. youre being lazy! So this season, Im hoping to turn my assignments in on time and not leave my homework off to the last minute, junior Anna Dang said. Sometimes, the American Catholic will devote more time for prayer and penitence or meditate on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ, the pinnacle Savior of the Catholic Christian faith. I plan on going to mass at least once during the week in the morning before school and to confession every Saturday. I also plan on simplifying my life in any way possible and try to appreciate more of what I have, junior Rachael Holt said. This Lenten season, challenge yourself to abstain from a tempting snack or a pesky habit and rise above pessimistic expectations. As Easter Sunday draws closer, reflect on the many blessings in your life and whole-heartedly accept the commitment of a Lenten sacrifice. Easter will be here before you know it.

A Catholic may even decide to set a new goal or to add a reflection-based activity in their life to better them as in individual over the course of Lent. For Lent, Im giving up procrastination! Procrastinating is horrible because it means