Lent is a dreaded time of year for many Catholics. Sure, there are fun events such as Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Easter at the end. But, Lent is also a time for repentance. Traditionally, Catholics make a Lenten promise that is kept throughout the 40 days. Often, people give up some aspect of their life as a sacrifice. Although these promises are usually done with the best of intentions, they reveal a lot about the person who makes the promise.

Giving up Chocolate

What it really means: You just realized Spring Break is coming up soon.

Looking at your calendar, you saw that there was less than a month until your big trip for Spring Break. Suddenly, you are looking at every fatty food with distain as you attempt to get your body “beach ready.” Saying your diet is simply for Lent saves you from the excessive comments from your family and friends.

Working out more

What it really means: Your New Years Resolution did not go well.

You promised yourself that this year would be a time to prioritize your health. You were going to eat more vegetables and run on the treadmill every day. But then you got lazy and Netflix sounded so much more appealing than going to the gym. Lent seemed like the perfect time to try and redeem your broken resolution.

Going to Mass

What it really means: Your Catholic guilt is setting in.

All your life you were a good Catholic who went to Mass every Sunday morning at 8 AM. Now, in college that has fallen to the wayside. After a night of fun with your friends, Sunday morning has become a time for sleeping in. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t feel guilty about it. Rather, you feel immensely sorry for your lack of attendance at Mass. You might as well start going again during Lent!

Stopping Cursing

What it really means: You are preparing yourself for Spring Break with your Family.

At school, your mouth runs freely with whatever foul language you want. Often, this sneaks its way into your conversations with family when you return home. If so, you are greeted with a sternly spoken pronouncement of your full name. In order to avoid such reprimand, you will stop curing earlier so that you are in the habit when you return home. Also, you should not take God’s name in vain anyway so you are doing something semi-religious!

Lenten Promises can be hard whether you are doing them for religious reasons or have an ulterior motive. But, hang in there. It only lasts for 40 days. Plus, Sundays don’t count, right?