During the season of Lent, the Catholic Church calls the faithful to prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and abstinence. While fasting often receives the most attention, abstaining holds a unique and important place in our Lenten journey.
Abstinence, particularly from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, is not simply a rule to follow. It is a spiritual practice meant to help us grow in self-discipline, mindfulness, and love of God. By voluntarily giving something up, we remind ourselves that our deepest hunger is not for food, comfort, or convenience, but for Christ.
At its core, abstaining is an act of obedience and humility. It connects us to the universal Church, uniting Catholics around the world in a shared practice of sacrifice. When we abstain, we step out of routine and make a conscious choice to remember Christ’s sacrifice and His call to conversion.
At Everest Academy, the season of Lent is an important time of formation for our students. Through age-appropriate lessons, prayer, and simple sacrifices, students learn that abstinence is not about deprivation, but about making room for God. These practices help children understand self-discipline, gratitude, and compassion in ways that are meaningful and lasting.
Abstinence also teaches intentionality. Choosing a simpler meal or foregoing a familiar comfort invites us to pause and reflect. That pause creates space—space to pray, to notice others’ needs, and to examine our hearts. Even small sacrifices, when offered with love, can deepen our spiritual awareness.
For families and children, abstaining can become a valuable teaching moment. It helps young people learn that sacrifice has meaning and that discipline is not about punishment, but about freedom. When children understand that abstaining is connected to love and gratitude for Jesus, it becomes a formative experience rather than an obligation.
Beyond food, many people choose to practice abstinence in broader ways during Lent—abstaining from negative speech, excessive screen time, impatience, or habits that distract from prayer and relationships. These sacrifices can be especially powerful, as they address the areas of life that most need renewal.
Ultimately, abstaining during Lent is about preparation. It prepares our hearts for Easter by loosening our attachment to temporary comforts and redirecting our focus toward what is eternal. Through abstinence, we learn to say no to lesser things so that we can more fully say yes to God.
When practiced with intention and prayer, abstinence becomes a meaningful path toward deeper faith, greater self-control, and a more joyful celebration of the Resurrection.