Lent

**IcSyU** · 02-25-2009, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I nearly said something to a guy in my office today that he had something black on his head and then my **** alert went off and I figured out what day it way.

I got a little ****** off at a guy walking in front of me this afternoon when he said, "Hey *********, you've got a black cross on your head goth," to a kid that was walking at us.

**Cyclone62** · 02-25-2009, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

This is pretty close to what I remember from by catholic school days too... I know it used to be that you were supposed to give up meat every day during Lent but was changed to just Fridays withing the last 50-60 years or something...

This is what I remember as well.

Jer, you're not alone in feeling guilt ridden as a non-practicer.

**cyco2000** · 02-25-2009, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by DRCHIRO

Im giving up Coke (not the stuff you snort, but the stuff you drink), and pop as a whole. Im looking forward to drink my Crown with water rather than pop.

I hear you--I wouldn't be able to give up the stuff you snort, either.

**Clones21** · 02-25-2009, 07:47 PM

I will be giving up listening to my teachers who think they know it all!

**Cyclone62** · 02-25-2009, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Clones21

I will be giving up listening to my teachers who think they know it all!

You couldn't be wrong or anything.

**cyko42** · 02-25-2009, 07:59 PM

I saw this and had to read it. I think others have answered the questions about meat. I just wanted to add somethings. As far as fasting goes, It actually went the other way. Before Vatican 2 all fridays were days to fast (one of the many compromises that were made to bring Catholicism out of the dark ages) , now its just ash wednesday, fridays during lent and other days that are specified by the church (not many but I think everyone once in awhile the Pope, bishop, or Priest specifices usually optional but encouraged)
I also wanted to point out that Sundays don't count as days of lent. Lent is 40 days like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, not the 46 calender days, so you if you chose partake in whatever you gave up on sundays you can.

**4VR4CY** · 02-26-2009, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by wartknight

FWIW- The giving up of meat for me has nothing to do with being Catholic because I'm not.
I rarely, if ever, eat fish, and need to get my cholesterol under control and hope that my sacrifice during Lent will help me do that.
It may be a selfish reason for it, but at its root, isn't pretty much everything we do selfish?

1. Thank God I'm a Lutheran!!! ;)

2. I lowered mine by 46 points.... I cut down calories to 1400 per day (6 days a week, 1 anything day), Exercise 3-5 days per week, eat less pork and sausages. Check out cholesterol content on foods. It really helps by just cutting them down. You would be surprised that some "fish" have more cholesterol than hamburger!!!! Watch out. I think shrimp is horrible.... if I remember correctly.

I was over 245 when they tested me in November. Less than 3 months later - with only 3 weeks of trying in a row - it dropped below 200. I've also lost 20 pounds in just under 2 months.

Good luck and keep us updated. I can offer more tips, if you want them!

**Cydkar** · 02-26-2009, 07:58 AM

I'm Lutheran but gave up pop. It will be good for me. I drink it like I'm in a competition.

**iowast8fan** · 02-26-2009, 08:03 AM

I understand the whole principle behind giving something up for lent. My parents gave up alcohol every lent. As a child I usually gave up candy. It is a way to show your understanding of the sacrifices Jesus made. However, who does it really help? As soon as lent is over, you go back to doing what you did before, you haven't improved yourself. My personal opinion is that it is an empty tradition that most people don't think all the way through.

If you are going to give up something for lent you should give up something that is both difficult for you and betters others or yourself. For instance, give up smoking, and do it with the expectation that you will not pick up the habit after lent.

Rather than take something away from your life during lent, it is better to add something extra to your life that is difficult and enhances the life of people around you. For instance, make a pledge to volunteer your time on a daily basis to a charity. Or, even something as little as paying closer attention to your attitude and making an effort to be positive around everyone, especially those you do not like or do not normally talk to. Do you see a homeless guy everyday? Pledge to make a difference in that guy's life even if it is only for 40 days during lent.