By Samuel Rodriguez, CP Contributor Wednesday, February 18, 2026iStock/Frederica Aban
As Christians around the world enter into Lent, we are reminded that the Gospel was never meant to be admired from a distance but rather to be lived, carried, and embodied.
When people normally think of significant events or times for followers of Jesus, they normally think of Christmas and Easter, the birth and the resurrection, and with good reason. Without the empty tomb, the Christian faith collapses. Without the birth of Christ, hope has no beginning. Both moments anchor our faith.
But too often we overlook Lent. It is not flashy and it does not feel good. It is more about suffering than celebration, more focused on hope than happiness. It can be easy to rush past Lent — and Advent — to get to what is on the other side. But I believe God has incredible and unique things to teach each of us this year, if we’re willing to slow down long enough to listen.
One of the other most common practices of Lent is giving something up, also known as the Lenten Sacrifice. This is not some Christian version of New Year’s resolutions or self-help tool. It’s sacramental. It’s sacred. And it’s deeply focused on participation.
During Lent, the focus is on Jesus’ journey to the cross and, eventually, the empty tomb. This wasn’t a glorious or comfortable process. It was full of struggle, pain, and self-denial. All of this is exemplified by Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where, in one of the most profound moments recorded in the Bible, He submits Himself to God’s will, even though it meant unbelievable suffering and an excruciating death on the cross.
The Lenten Sacrifice is an invitation to walk with Christ from the celebration and heartbreak of the Triumphal Entry to the darkness and desolation of the cross. Regardless of what we decide to deny ourselves, it is supposed to be a reminder of that journey and of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
It can be tempting to skip over Lent to get to Easter. But we have to remember something: Lent ends before Easter. On this side of the resurrection, we know what’s coming. But during Lent, we set that knowledge aside and sit in the dashed hope Jesus’ disciples would have felt.
Everything, from the ashes to intentional self-denial, to the prominence of dark colors and somber songs, are reminders to us of that sense of loss and disorientation early Christians experienced. It’s all aimed at participation, at immersing us in the biblical narrative.
I think we need more of that kind of participation in the everyday parts of our faith. It shouldn’t be something that’s just reserved for certain parts of the year. Because, more than anything else, our faith is a relationship. It’s not just a set of beliefs or a way of living. It’s an embodied experience. One full of sights, sounds, and conversation. God’s presence isn’t reserved for certain times of the year. He wants to be with us here, now.
As you step into the Lenten Season, do not simply give something up. Give God more access. More room. More surrender.
Let Lent strip away what numbs your hunger for God and make yourself available to Him, and step back to see what He will do.
Because the power of Easter is only fully understood by those who have first walked with Jesus toward the cross.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is the lead pastor of New Season, one of America’s most influential megachurches, and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), which represents millions of Christians worldwide.
Rodriguez has advised three U.S. Presidents and is the first Latino to participate in multiple presidential inauguration ceremonies. He is also a best-selling author of 12 books and serves as producer of 7 faith-based films including Breakthrough, Flamin Hot, and Dream King.
Rev. Rodriguez has been recognized by CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Univision, Telemundo, and NBC as America’s most influential Hispanic Christian leader. Above all, he is dedicated to magnifying the name of Jesus through every aspect of his ministry and life, giving God all the glory for his influence and impact.
