Life Out There
by Rebecca Shwayri (Mar. '01)
Striving to live an Orthodox life during Great Lent can be an immense challenge while in college. After all, how can one find time to attend the plethora of services when midterms, papers, and assignments demand so much? Is it even possible to find acceptable Lenten food if you are on the meal plan? Living Lent is actually possible with some day-to-day changes.
First, we must make sure that Christ is the focus of the Lenten season. With all the services and fasting, we must not allow ourselves to lose focus. In other words, fasting is not an end in and of itself. Rather, fasting is the means to an even greater end: becoming closer to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. When I was on the meal plan at school, I found it quite difficult to eat healthy meals while observing the Fast. Ultimately, I realized that the purpose of the Lenten Fast is to help me focus on Christ, and I should not become unhealthy or sick from fasting. I decided to observe parts of the Fast in order to be healthy while striving to become closer to God.
Second, we must not look down upon those who are not fasting. St. Paul writes: "Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.” (Romans 14:3) If we decide to fast, we must not become puffed up because we are fasting while others are not fasting. God will receive each man equally. We must also be sure not to brag to others if we fast: "More-over, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting." (Matthew 6:16)
Finally, it is important to attend the services, read the Scripture daily, and pray daily. If you live far from an Orthodox Church, daily prayer and Scripture readings are even more important during the Lenten period. In all that you do, be sure to keep your focus on Christ so that your endeavors are successful.
Rebecca Schwayri is the Teen Presidential Advisor to Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations and is a senior majoring in international relations at George Washington University.
