Each season of Lent, many Christians prepare for a period of reflection and repentance. During this time—which takes place from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday—Christians pray, repent, give alms, atone for their sins, and embrace the practice of self-denial.
In line with this, they take into account what habits and areas of their lives they need to “give up” as a form of sacrifice to show their devotion.
Abstinence: Filipinos giving up meat during Lent season
Filipinos, like many Catholics around the world, observe Lent as a time of spiritual reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. One of the common practices during Lent is fasting or abstaining from certain foods, particularly meat, on specific days, such as Ash Wednesday and Fridays. This tradition stems from the belief in sacrificial offerings as a form of penance and spiritual discipline, following the example of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the desert for 40 days.
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Giving up meat during Lent symbolizes solidarity with Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, as well as a commitment to self-discipline and spiritual renewal. In the Philippines, where Catholicism is deeply ingrained in the culture, abstaining from meat is a significant part of Lenten observance for many individuals and families. Instead of meat, Filipinos often opt for fish or seafood dishes during Lenten meals, reflecting the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays as a sign of penance and remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Abstaining from meat during Lent is a spiritual practice deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and observed by many Filipinos as a way to deepen their faith and prepare for the celebration of Easter.
Contrary to popular knowledge, indulgences such as meat, fast food and soda aren’t the only things one can abstain from during the season. There are more things that we can “set aside” and “give up” during this season.
Other meaningful sacrifice for the Lenten season
Here are some unique options for Christians who want to commit to a more meaningful sacrifice this season, based on a list written by pastor and writer, Phil Ressler. And how these sacrifices can help our kids as they grow older.
- Impatience: Trust that God’s timing is perfect.
Mommy and daddy, teaching our children to trust in God’s timing sets a powerful example of patience and faith. Of course, our kids needs us to be an example of patience and faith.
- Fear of Failure: The road to success is not without failure; keep pressing on.
Encouraging our kids to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success helps them develop resilience and perseverance.
- Feeling Unworthy: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator.” Psalm 139:14
Instilling in our children a deep understanding of their inherent worth as beloved creations of God builds a foundation of self-esteem rooted in faith.
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Hatred: Cultivate a loving spirit and “do not be overcome by evil”
Modeling Christ-like love and forgiveness helps our children combat hatred and embrace empathy and compassion.
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- Your Comfort Zone: Stepping out of your shell is how you discover and grow.
Nurturing a spirit of adventurous faith in our children means supporting them as they step out of their comfort zones and take risks for God’s glory.
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Comparing yourself to others: Appreciate your uniqueness.
Helping our kids appreciate their unique gifts and talents cultivates gratitude and guards against the destructive habit of comparison.
- People Pleasing: You can’t please everyone, so focus on striving to please God.
Guiding our children to seek God’s approval above all else empowers them to live with authenticity and integrity.
- Guilt: Leave the past behind, acknowledging how Christ has forgiven you.
Teaching our kids about the transformative power of God’s forgiveness frees them from the weight of guilt and inspires them to live in grace.
- Blaming others: Learn to take responsibility of your actions.
Holding our children accountable for their actions teaches them the importance of taking responsibility and seeking reconciliation.
- Pride: Be humble at all times and you will be blessed.
Encouraging humility in our children fosters healthy relationships and a posture of gratitude towards God and others.
- Envy: Refrain from jealousy; your worth is not measured by your bank account.
Guiding our children to find their identity and worth in God’s love rather than worldly standards protects them from the trap of envy and discontent.
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- Selfish ambition: Value God’s will over your own plans.
Mentoring our children to seek God’s will above their own desires empowers them to pursue purpose and fulfillment beyond personal ambition.
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Worry: Remind yourself that God is in control. Don’t fear.
Equipping our children with faith-based tools to manage worry and anxiety builds their resilience and trust in God’s provision.
- Complaining: Appreciate your blessings, big or small. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Cultivating a spirit of gratitude in our children transforms their perspective and empowers them to be agents of positivity and change.
- Bitterness: You only hurt yourself if you cling to negative feelings.
Teaching our children the power of forgiveness and letting go frees them from the bondage of bitterness and opens the door to healing and reconciliation.
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Destructive speech: Build each other up and keep away from gossip.
Modeling kindness and respect in our own speech sets a standard for our children to follow, fostering healthy relationships and community.
- Giving up: God never gave up on us, so we must never give up on ourselves.
Inspiring our children to persevere through challenges with faith and resilience echoes God’s faithfulness and strengthens their character.
- Busyness: Keeping busy doesn’t always lead to prosperity. Enrich yourself through spiritual pursuits, too.
Prioritizing spiritual growth and family time over busyness teaches our children the importance of balance and fosters deeper connections with God and each other.
- Apathy: Not caring can be harmful. Be invested in your community, as much as you are in your own life’s journey.
Encouraging our children to care for others and engage in their communities cultivates empathy and a sense of responsibility towards making a positive difference in the world.
- Resistance to Change: Change is inevitable. Embrace it.
Modeling flexibility and trust in God’s plan for our lives helps our children embrace change with confidence and faith.
View Pastor Phil’s full list on Greater Things Today.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
READ: 20 Questions kids ask about Lent, Holy Week and Easter
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