It is that time of the year again, where everyone scrambles to find at least one thing they wish to avoid for the next 40 days. Some find it a way to regain some sort of stability in their lives, others find it a near annoyance. Options weren’t a thing back in the day however. The Lenten season had been a time of serious conduct, no thinking about what to do and what not to do. There was a strict tradition and culture that was followed by everyone at the time. No one would have imagined that in the 21st century, the style of Lent would completely change.
Tradition
I remember years ago, my grandmother asked me, “what is your plan for Lent this year?” I coolly said, “oh easy, I am cutting down my screentime”. The look on her face was shocked and confused. To say the least, she had never imagined that this is even considered a Lent. This got me thinking about what other people my age usually do for Lent, in this ever-growing need of a fast and ‘there is no time’ world.
The traditional Lenten practices were as follows; after Ash Wednesday, everyone starts to skip all types of meat, dairy, and alcohol.
This fasting often meant reducing the quantity of food eaten, as well as abstaining from certain foods, particularly on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. Prayer and almsgiving were the other two pillars of the traditional observance, emphasising spiritual discipline and charity alongside the physical discipline of fasting.
Giving up social media or ‘screen time’ is a far greater, and perhaps more relevant, challenge than giving up meat”
Nowadays, things are a bit different. The most common one is to cut a certain type of ingredient from a dish. The funny thing is, it ranges from just sugar from coffee, to avoiding less oil, or even skipping salt in general! This is still in some way shape or form like the traditional method or dare I say, ‘the old fashioned’ Lenten method. When I ask someone who tries to take on this Lent, they often start this to form a healthier lifestyle, which is also a reason why the Lent season is an important period for Catholics in general.
One thing I love hearing is digital detox. Many young Catholics are now approaching a digital free lifestyle, in the sense, no Facebook or Instagram for 40 days. This is a very challenging one, and often a very strong version of the Lent in a world filled with likes, reposts, and instant chats. For many younger Catholics, giving up social media or ‘screen time’ is a far greater, and perhaps more relevant, challenge than giving up meat. These digital fasts demand a confrontation with habits of instant gratification and constant connection that define contemporary life.
Addition
An increasingly popular alternative to ‘giving up’ something is the practice of ‘taking on’ a new discipline. Instead of deprivation, this approach focuses on addition. This might involve committing to daily mass, volunteering at a local charity, dedicating specific time each day to Scripture reading, or practicing intentional gratitude. For many, actively adding a positive spiritual habit provides a more constructive and enduring benefit than merely abstaining from a negative one. This shift reflects a move from a purely reflective view of Lent to one that equally emphasises spiritual growth and active discipleship.
It’s safe to say that many traditions haven’t fully vanished but are a bit too much for modern convenience”
Younger people are now angrier, more impatient, and more inclined to find faults and excuses for everything they do. Lent allows people to reflect on their faults, how they can strive to be a better person, and where their mind should focus on after the Lenten season finishes. Social media in general often allows content that can harm the mind, while its fast-paced algorithms fight people’s patience.
Apps like Hallow or Amen are now aiming to target this demographic to have specific challenges that help people with Lent. I feel this is a great way to encourage people to do their Lent, which allows them to keep going.
What we can say is now out of fashion, it is still a very present thing in the east. For instance, in my home state of Kerala, tradition is something that can’t be modified, with majority still strict about the no meat, dairy diet. No celebrations during this time of the year are a thing of the past, but I still see some people being very strict about it. It’s safe to say that many traditions haven’t fully vanished but are a bit too much for modern convenience (not my saying).
Transformation
Ultimately, the modern observance of Lent demonstrates a dynamic evolution of faith practices. While the fundamental principles of sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and charity remain central, the methods of achieving spiritual growth have adapted to contemporary life. The shift from strictly physical fasting to include digital detoxes and the embrace of ‘taking on’ new spiritual disciplines reflects a desire among younger Catholics to find meaning in practices that are personally challenging and deeply relevant to their modern struggles.
This blending of traditional practices with new forms ensures that the Lenten season remains a profound and transformative period of reflection and renewal, tailored for the 21st-century believer.
A fun fact: The famous McDonalds Filet-O-Fish burger was introduced because in 1962, a franchise situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a predominantly Catholic neighbourhood, had fewer burger sales on Fridays during Lent season, hence introduced the Filet-O-Fish burger!
