Lent is a period of penitential preparation for Easter. It is taken as a time of solemn observance in the lead up to the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. Throughout this Lenten period, we have turned to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ as well as our need for God’s forgiveness. Fasting, or giving something up is a common practice during Lent as it is a reminder of Christ and an opportunity to connect with God. 

Over the past weeks, Mr Pletikosa along with the assistance of the Youth Ministry Team and Spirituality Captains have put this idea of ‘sacrifice’ into practice through the ‘Meatless Friday Hot Chips Fundraiser’. Each Friday, at lunch, the team has been serving $2 hot chips to students as a way of encouraging sacrifice through abstinence from meat. In this way, students acknowledged Jesus’ forty-day sacrifice in the desert and were also reminded of those who are less fortunate.

However, Lent is not centred around sacrifice alone. The act of almsgiving — whether it be through giving money to the less fortunate or doing something for the good of others — is a way to respond to God’s grace, generosity and love. The ‘Meatless Friday Hot Chips Fundraiser’ recognises this idea of almsgiving as all proceeds made from the initiative will be donated to the Project Compassion Lenten Appeal. 

Lenten practices help us shed bad habits and exercise love through our actions. These religious acts purify us to orient ourselves more single-mindedly towards God. When we respond thus to the divine call—when we engage in such activities of sacrifice and almsgiving — we are made holy.

Sarah Russell and Eseta Malaesilia