For many MSU students, Wednesday was the start of a 40-day period of reflection, fasting and charity.
Bethany Peerbolte, a member of the Lutheran Student Organization, said sacrificing something for 40 days isn't too much to ask compared with everything Jesus has done for her.
"It's a renewal in my faith," Peerbolte said.
Peerbolte plans to work out every day during Lent at IM Sports-West. She said exercising is a good time for reflection and to make improvements in her life.
Lent is recognized by many Christian denominations and ultimately ends with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
The 40-day Lenten season, began Ash Wednesday and ends Holy Thursday, or the Thursday before Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday falls on April 8 this year.
People, especially those who are Catholic, have a tradition of giving something up or doing something extra during Lent.
"We sacrifice to remind us of Christ's sacrifices on the cross and that he died for us," said Mark Inglot, pastor of St. John Student Parish.
"You can fast from food, but it is also good to fast from gossip or fast from impatience and fast from judging other people."
Lent helps Christians refocus on the things that matter most and pay less attention to the things that matter the least, Inglot said.
"I look forward to Lent, and I need it," he said. "And it makes my celebration of Easter that much more pronounced and meaningful."
Inglot said he expected about 1,000 students to attend the six masses held at the church on Ash Wednesday.
"What makes college students attend?" Inglot said. "I think it's because we are sign- and symbol-oriented by human nature. The whole symbol of ashes and Lent is a bridge between human nature and spiritual nature."
Jason Giroux, a member of St. John Student Parish, said instead of giving up something for Lent, he is going to add something to his life.
He said when he was in high school, he helped tutor at an elementary school for four to six hours a week.
"Lent to me is a time for purification and soul searching," Giroux said. "It's mostly a good time for interaction with others and reconciling yourself with the community."
Inglot said Lent doesn't just have roots in spirituality and theology, but also psychology.
"Psychology says that good Catholics and bad Catholics are the same," Inglot said.
He added that once habits form, they are hard to change.
It takes 30 days to develop a habit, Inglot said, adding that there are 40 days to create good habits and get rid of bad habits.
Nate Daniels, a marketing senior and a member of MSU's Campus Crusade for Christ, said he will probably give up instant messaging.
"It's just wasted time," he said.
Daniels said Lent reminds him of how God's love is endless and that love should be returned.
"I know I can never repay him for what he has done for me, Daniels said. "But by doing this small sacrifice, I'm acknowledging that he is first in my life."
Inglot said since he was a child, he has given up Snickers bars for Lent.
"I'm 51 years old, and I still give up Snickers bars," Inglot said.
Inglot keeps a box of the candy bars on his desk during the season to remember his commitment.
"It's torture, but it reminds me that the sweetness of life comes from God," he said. "On the upside — at Easter time, I get enough Snickers bars to last me all year."
