Disclaimer: the opinions started within are the opinion of the author and do not reflect those of $O$ as an organization 

Today was Fat Tuesday, and they had a special mass at the Catholic school to celebrate the start of Lent. I was thinking about that today, and about Lent in general. The idea, for those non-Christians unfamiliar with the season, is that in the run-up to Easter, Christians are supposed to fast and go without to contemplate what Jesus gave up for us. In the modern-day, this translates mostly to certain dietary restrictions and a tradition of choosing to give up something that one enjoys.

What struck me as I considered this is how self-indulgent it is. The idea that everyone has so much that they can choose what they are privileged enough to be able to eat, or are happy enough that they can go without something that gives them joy is crazy, and frankly anti-Christian. 

Now, I want to be VERY CLEAR. I am not saying it is wrong. I am not saying that people who celebrate it are bad. I am not saying we should stop celebrating it. I am saying nothing of the kind.

What I am saying is that instead of giving up something, you can give it away instead. Instead of going without something, substitute acts of kindness and charity. Give to those who have less. Instead of eating something different, buy a meal for someone less fortunate. Instead of indulging in the privilege of doing things differently, use that privilege to help others. It will make the Lent season even more meaningful.