A popular trend in recent years has been to do something positive for Lent rather than to give something up. This ranges from the very challenging (see Kerry Weber’s Mercy in the City) to the more basic (to choose kindness in our daily actions). This seems to align with Pope Francis’ call to give up indifference to others for Lent. This is a positive development, but it should not displace giving stuff up for Lent, even those things that seem harmless and mundane.
As a kid, many people give up candy or soda or something else they enjoy for Lent. They do it because they are supposed to, because their parents or teachers tell them they should. Often they really don’t understand why. As they grow older, many stop practicing both the faith and these Lenten traditions, as cultural Catholicism seems to be evaporating. Some casual Catholics do continue to give things up for Lent, but it is not uncommon for these practices to resemble a self-help program or a diet to shed a few pounds. Those who enter adulthood as devout believers, including converts and reverts, often engage in what can be very challenging fasts, such as giving meat up for all of Lent. Others will take on a new prayer regiment or some other positive action for each day of Lent, sometimes replacing the practice of giving something up.
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