Every year, millions of Christians observe Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter.
For many Filipinos, Lent automatically means one thing: “Unsa akong i-give up this year?”
And while sacrifice is part of the tradition, Lent is actually meant to be a season of reflection, self-improvement, and reconnecting with what truly matters. A yearly “reset button” for your life.
If you want to make your Lent more meaningful, here are some things you can try.
1. Try a Social Media Fast
Let’s admit it: many of us spend hours scrolling. From memes to TikTok rabbit holes to Facebook comment wars, our thumbs are always working overtime.
Lent can be the perfect time to pause. You don’t have to deactivate your accounts, but you can try limiting your screen time.
Instead of scrolling for two hours before bed, try reading, praying, journaling, or simply resting your mind.
2. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
One of the simplest but most powerful Lenten practices is kindness.
You could send an encouraging message to a struggling friend or be more patient with family members.
The life of Jesus showed compassion for others, especially those who felt rejected.
Sometimes the most powerful form of faith is simply treating people with genuine care.
3. Spend Time in Quiet Reflection
Life can be full of deadlines, responsibilities, and notifications. Lent invites us to slow down.
Even ten minutes of reflection in a quiet corner each day can help you think and reflect.
4. Volunteer or Help Someone in Need
Faith becomes more meaningful when it moves beyond words.
Try volunteering or helping others in small ways. You can donate things you no longer use or join an outreach in your local community.
Performing acts of service remind us that faith isn’t only personal, it’s also meant to uplift others.
5. Give Up a Bad Habit
Giving up meat during this season is fine… but maybe try something more challenging.
Consider giving up the habit of complaining or gossiping about other people’s lives.
Sometimes, the real sacrifice is letting go of habits that quietly affect how we treat others.
6. Reconnect With Family
Busy schedules often get in the way of spending time with family.
Use Lent as a chance to reconnect with them. Eat dinner together without your gadgets. Visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Cook binignit or biko with them.
Sometimes spiritual growth begins with simply being present for the people closest to you.
7. Reflect on Gratitude
Another meaningful practice during Lent is gratitude.
Each day, list a few things you’re thankful for. It could be something simple like a good meal or a peaceful afternoon.
Gratitude changes perspective. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, you begin to appreciate what’s already there.
8. Reconnect With Your Ex From Your Hometown (Slightly Risky)
Hear me out. Many of you go back to your hometowns during Holy Week.
And sometimes, there’s that one ex you suddenly bump into at the sari-sari store.
Maybe Lent is the season of forgiveness. Maybe it’s the season of closure.
Or maybe it’s just God testing your self-control.
Proceed carefully. And remember, reopening old love stories might require extra prayers.
Lent Is Less About Losing Things — And More About Growing
At its heart, Lent isn’t just about giving things up. It’s about making space for reflection, compassion, and personal growth.
And if along the way you become kinder and a little more grateful, that might just be the most meaningful Lenten sacrifice of all.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
