Did you see anyone with a black smudge on their forehead last Wednesday? Don’t worry, it was supposed to be there. These students and faculty choose to receive their ashes in honor of Ash Wednesday, a religious holiday that marks the beginning of a time of fasting and repenting called Lent.
Observed by several Christian denominations, Lent is a 40-day period of penance leading up to Easter. Several students on campus have chosen to observe Lent by giving up something or designating certain goals during the Lenten season.
“I think Lent means giving up or adding something to your life so you can strengthen your faith,” said Troy Pozolo, Shelby Township first-year.
Pozolo decided to spend less time with technology for his Lenten goal. Another student, Christina Briden, Livonia first-year, decided to give up sweets and go to church every Sunday.
“I think Lent is a time of sacrifice,” Briden said.
Those Christians who decide to give up certain things for Lent do so to strengthen or rejuvenate their faith, experiencing temptation similar to the temptations Jesus was believed to have endured during his 40 days in the desert.
“Lent is a personal and individual spiritual practice, so it’s easy for college students to do,” said
Daniel McQuown, college chaplain. “The main point if for each of us to draw closer to God in Jesus Christ through a focused time of devotion, culminating in Good Friday and Easter.”
Every weekday from 8:30-9:00 a.m. in the Kellogg Center SEE (second floor across from the Eat
Shop), McQuown, also known as Chaplain Dan, will lead a devotional prayer service for anyone who wants to practice their faith and share their Lenten goals with others.
photo: http://www.desertpastor.com/paradoxology/2010/02/communion-on-ash-wednesday.html
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