BY LAKESH KUMAR
KUCHING: As the season of Lent comes to a close with just two weeks left, many Christians reflect on their journey so far by examining their sacrifices, spiritual growth, and the deeper meaning of this dignified season.
Lent, observed by various Christian denominations, serves as a time of preparation leading to Easter.
Whether through fasting, prayer, acts of kindness, or self-reflection, believers use this period to draw closer to God and reassess their priorities in life.
For some, Lent is about giving up something meaningful, while for others, it’s about taking on new habits that nurture their faith.
The core essence of Lent remains the same: a time of transformation and strengthening one’s relationship with God.
As the final weeks approach, four individuals from different Christian traditions share their experiences and how their Lenten journey has shaped them so far.
For Sandra Louisa Sargious, a 24-year-old student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a practising Roman Catholic, Lent has been a time of discipline and mindfulness.
She sees Lent as a season for deep reflection and realignment with her faith.
“It’s not just about giving something up, but becoming more aware of my thoughts and actions and aligning them with my faith,” she said.
This year, Sandra committed to giving up sweets and avoiding bad language – two major challenges that proved harder than she expected.
“This experience reminded me that small sacrifices can have a big impact,” she shared.
She also emphasised, “When I’m tempted by sweets, I try to drink water or distract myself, and when I feel the urge to use bad words, I pause and think before speaking.”
Staying committed wasn’t always easy, especially with the occasional temptation.
One of the most memorable moments during Lent for her was when she was able to resist a sweet treat after a long day.
“Those small victories showed me that real strength comes from making intentional choices every day,” she reflected.
Sandra also emphasised that her family and friends had supported her by playfully reminding her whenever she slipped up with bad words, which helped keep her accountable.
Sandra hopes that the lessons she has learnt will stay with her even after Easter.
“The ability to be present in the moment, without the constant pull of instant gratification, is something I want to carry beyond Lent,” she said.
Meanwhile, Clark Hans Johnson, a 28-year-old human resources personnel here and a practising Anglican, follows Lent with a focus on fasting and self-reflection.
“For me, the meaning of Lent is about reflecting on our relationship with God. It’s more of a spiritual connection,” he explained.
While Clark doesn’t follow fixed traditions every year, he makes an effort to fast in ways that help him reconnect with his faith, such as limiting his food intake.
“Each year, there are always different things to fast from, but the common one for me is abstaining from eating too much,” he shared.
Despite his demanding work schedule, he strives to attend church weekly and read the Bible.
“This year, I’m trying to go to church every week and read the Bible at least once a week, but with my busy schedule, it can be a challenge,” he admitted.
Living alone due to work commitments, Clark finds strength in encouragement from his church community.
“At least, I go to church rather than not attend at all,” he said.
Clark hopes that this Lent will help him grow in empathy and spiritual humility.
“It’s not easy, but at least, I try,” he reflected.
Clark also acknowledges that self-discipline and faith require continuous efforts but he remains committed to making small yet meaningful changes in his spiritual life.
On the other hand, Chloe Nicole Joachim Ian, a 24-year-old intern at WWF Malaysia here and a Roman Catholic, views the Lenten season as a time of discipline and preparing her heart for Easter.
“For me, Lent is a season of discipline, gratitude and sacrifice. It’s a time to remember what Jesus went through, His suffering, and His love for us,” she said.
For this year’s Lent season, Chloe has taken on a simple yet powerful new habit: avoiding her phone first thing in the morning.
“One thing I’ve been doing is not checking my phone right after waking up. I give myself one hour just to be present.
“I tell myself it’s a small sacrifice compared to what Jesus gave up,” she shared.
Despite all this, Chloe admits that her journey this Lent season has not been easy.
“I’ve been a bit negative and anxious. Sometimes I forget to turn to God and just carry all the stress myself. But Lent reminds me to trust Him more,” she reflected.
Chloe’s most meaningful moment during her Lenten journey was when she read a Bible verse that matched how she was feeling.
“It reminded me that God sees me, and He’s always there,” she shared.
Her community and loved ones also play a supportive role.
“Even though most people in my church are strangers, it’s comforting to see that we’re all trying in our own way. We’re all children of God, and that’s what matters,” she expressed.
As Lent continues, Chloe hopes to be more grateful.
“I want to carry gratitude with me. I often take things for granted, and I’m learning to trust God more.
“I hope by the end of Lent, I will be more present and less worried,” she said.
Moving on, 24-year-old Alexson Ngaoh Amet, also a student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and a practising Roman Catholic, states that Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and growth.
This year, Alexson focuses on overcoming his habit of procrastination.
For someone who often struggled with putting things off until the last minute, Lent became an opportunity for growth.
“I’ve committed to overcoming my habit of procrastination. It’s been quite challenging, but I’ve managed to reduce it significantly,” he said.
In addition to attending the Way of the Cross on Fridays and practising abstinence, Alexson has become more mindful of his time and reduced distractions like social media.
“This year, Lent has been particularly special for me. I have become more mindful of how I spend my time,” he reflected.
Although Lent hasn’t been without struggles, Alexson stays committed by taking small steps and leaning on his friends for support.
“My friends have been my biggest support system during this season,” he added.
Through his journey, Alexson hopes to grow more Christ-like in his actions and remain faithful to God.
“I hope to live in Christ, walk in Christ and remain faithful until the very end of my life,” he said.
Despite their different approaches, Sandra, Clark, Chloe and Alexson all share a common goal: using Lent as a time for transformation, whether through sacrifice, service or prayers.
Their experiences highlight the many ways Lent can be observed.
For many, Lent is about progress, not perfection.
It is a time to step back, reassess priorities and focus on what really matters.
While each person may observe it differently, the message remains the same: renewal, growth and preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter.
