Georgetown takes special pride in being an institution where religious ideas are not only discussed but also practiced. The University makes space for these practices and invites the entire community to grow in awareness about the religious significance of particular religious holidays and sacred times for particular communities. On the eve of the University’s spring break, Georgetown’s Christian and Muslim communities are earnestly preparing for Lent and Ramadan. These are the holiest seasons of the religious calendar for these faith traditions and together they offer meaningful reflection opportunities for everyone regardless of personal religious beliefs. I would like to present a few connections between these observances and our ongoing mission-based responsibility at Georgetown to lead generous lives in the service of others.
Both Ramadan and Lent are inherently about growing in closeness with God and solidarity with others, especially marginalized persons, through intentional practices. For both of these holy seasons, fasting is a primary practice that helps focus one’s attention on what matters most in our lives. The regular act of fasting has the potential to purify one’s desire for God by helping us become more aware of our dependence on God and all of the things that interfere with growing closer to God. This spiritual insight translates more broadly. We might ask: What habits or behaviors get in the way of knowing your deepest and truest self? Is there some “inordinate” attachment, as St. Ignatius might suggest, that you might fast from in order to grow in this greater self-awareness that leads to more awareness of the Transcendent?
Both Ramadan and Lent also emphasize the social and community dimensions of religious commitment. Almsgiving and charity are common practices in these seasons, intended to foster intentionality about how living a life oriented to God means living a life with and for others, especially those most excluded from the gifts of life. Solidarity then becomes a religious value of Lent and Ramadan and encourages more awareness of the needs of others and how we are called to be in service to the common good. The prayerfulness of Lent and Ramadan has the potential to facilitate a kind of contemplation that leads to more and more generosity and service. We might ask: How is this time of intense spiritual discipline calling me to use my gifts and talents for encouraging justice and the common good?
These are only a few ideas about the broader meanings of Lent and Ramadan. I encourage everyone to consider any personally relevant significance of the practices and commitments at this time in the religious calendar.
Learn more about observance of Lent at Georgetown by signing up for Georgetown’s Daily Lent Devotional and by consulting the religious services calendar. You can learn more about Ramadan by also visiting the religious services calendar and signing up for newsletters from Muslim Life at Georgetown.