I got home from school over four hours ago, two of which were spent at soccer practice, the other two spent (loosely) on homework. I needed a break badly. I went to my phone for some much needed distraction but found the selection of apps quite sparse, no Netflix or social media of any kind to be found. Then, I recall my humble and very 21st Century Lenten promise.

Ahhh Lent. A time for sacrifice and reflection. I am not a Catholic. I’m actually Episcopalian. My childhood consisted of banter between the Christian kids over who was suffering the most during Lent. Little Sam gave up his favorite candy for 40 days, but what is this? Little Kate gave up ALL candy for 40 days? I remember thinking, “Whoa, these kids are hardcore, I just said I’d keep my room clean.”

Lent has taken on a different meaning to me through the years, especially after entering a Catholic high school. My mother is always prompt to remind me of the Ash Wednesday readings. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to keep their righteous deeds to themselves because those who pray on street corners are hypocrites. But those who pray in private behind closed doors are rewarded. So this means that everyone hoping to learn anything from Lent should keep their sacrifices to themselves. Looks like it’s too late for most of us…

According to Catholic.org, Lent is not even just about giving up material things. The primary goal for those who observe the season of Lent is to rid their lives of sin. So instead of giving up candy, kids should be encouraged to give up a small sin they commit normally. No more lying, no more cheating, no swearing. Small things like these are true to the Lenten ideals. When one turns away from sin, they are opening themselves to a whole new life with Christ.

Do not see Lent as a time for giving up for the sake of simply missing what you’re giving up – that is only partly in the spirit of Lent. The act of giving up should inspire new action that is not sinful. Give up junk food to save yourself from gluttony. Give up swearing as to not say the Lord’s name in vain. Give up shopping for clothes as to not be greedy. And when you find yourself wanting a candy bar or a new designer bag, donate that money to charity instead, for Lent is also about being merciful.

So I urge us all to not give up something just to miss it. Give it up to improve your life and the lives of others. The hypocrite Jesus described who prays loudly is also the person who makes Lenten promises for the wrong reasons. Forty days of sacrifice could inspire a lifetime of good deeds if done with the right goals in mind. So be the righteous one this season and work to be a compassionate Christian and merciful human being, while I’m still over here trying to keep my room clean.