It doesn’t take a scientific study to conclude that a vast majority of Loyola students, myself included, are celebrating the Mardi Gras season. My hypothesis, however, is that a vast minority of students are preparing to observe Lent.

The idea of Mardi Gras without Lent seems a little counterintuitive. It’s almost like having dressing without a salad. Sure, the dressing makes the salad easier to swallow, but having the dressing by itself is just unhealthy. We grow stronger from the 40 leaves of spinach – get the analogy? – not from the hot, tangy, deliciously sweet honey mustard.

Lent is the season of spring-cleaning to purify our spirits – and perhaps our livers. It is a time for self-discipline and simplicity, in order that we might become closer to God. Some of us seek this end by fasting from sweets or expensive specialty coffee drinks (just a suggestion). Whatever the means, we should remember Christ’s own sacrifice on our behalf.

I realize the Loyola community is made up of a diversity of faiths, and this Lenten reflection is not meant to impose a set of beliefs on anyone. Christians would actually be wise to learn from the examples of our brothers and sisters of the Islamic and Jewish religions, who demonstrate paradigms of spiritual discipline through their observance of Ramadan and Yom Kippur, respectively.

For those of us who follow the Christian tradition, Lent is our spiritual checkup, our spiritual fitness program. Given the over-stimulation of contemporary American life, it is easy to lose focus and become weak in our faith. By reflecting on Jesus’ message and where God is personally calling us, we can rejuvenate our hearts and souls.

The Office of Mission and Ministry is offering different programs for such reflection, which are manageable even for the busiest of bodies. One option is appropriately titled “Lenten Retreat in Daily Life.” The daily prayer and spiritual direction provide a break from one’s typical routine to progress toward the Ignatian habit of finding God in all things. Another option is a “Sacred Music and Sacred Words” series, which offers Lenten-themed concerts and speakers on Wednesday evenings.

These programs and the Lenten season at large encourage spiritual growth to parallel our academic growth so that we might develop as “whole persons.” This Jesuit ideal of “cura personalis” is an important part of Loyola’s mission, and we should make it our personal mission during Lent.

So, as we (responsibly) celebrate New Orleans’ favorite holiday, let us prepare ourselves for the six and a half weeks to follow, ultimately leading to the joyful celebration of Easter.