Taking Advantage of Sundays in Lent

Living in hope: Michelle Nott discusses the importance of embracing Sundays during Lent.

Fake Spring

For as long as I have lived in the Midwest, we usually experience something called “fake spring” where the temperatures warm up for a brief period before dropping back down to more typical winter temperatures. We can experience this phenomenon as early as February; a 60-degree day here and there that feels so magical (keep in mind that just a few weeks ago, schools were canceled due to the wind chill being -30). Everyone gets outside that day, and we see neighbors outside in their yards!

We have been blessed with a few of these days this past week and might get a few more next week as well. The kids and I take advantage of the warm weather and spend some time outside playing in the backyard or jumping on the trampoline. I also serve them dinner outside so we can make the most out of the time we get before the cold returns.

These random warm weather days are why February feels so much lighter than January to me, because we start to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. I know that soon spring will be here to stay and warmer weather is on its way back. I am slowly starting to feel more hopeful.

Lent and Winter

Lent can sometimes feel a lot like winter: dark, depressing, and never-ending. I know many Catholics who look forward to Lent and view it as a time to grow in our faith (because it is a time for spiritual growth), but I also know some who are going through a difficult time and Lent can just feel so overwhelming. And this is an okay feeling to have as well!

We are all on our own unique spiritual journeys, which means that Lent can look different for us each year. I’ve had some seasons where I was so excited about Lent and growing in my faith and taking on some challenges and sacrifices. On the other hand, I have also had a few seasons where I felt like showing up was a struggle and really embraced the idea of God meeting me where I was at during that time.

Sundays in Lent

I think most are aware of giving up something during Lent. Growing up, I remember people saying that whatever you gave up for Lent doesn’t apply on Sundays, because Sundays are Mass days. Sunday is also the day we remember the Resurrection.

This to me, is the equivalent of our “false spring” days in the Midwest. Sundays are a day of hope and are meant for us to focus on what good is coming next instead of on our sacrifices and penance. Sundays are days when we get that glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel that is waiting for us. They are that breath of fresh air and stepping out into sunshine after a dark and cold winter. We know that Monday we will be back to our Lenten routine. But Sunday offers us a chance of rest and an opportunity to draw closer to God and experience the joy and hope of the Resurrection.

When I was growing up and heard of people taking Sunday off, I admit that I viewed it as cheating because to me it wasn’t sticking with what they said they’d do. However, looking back, I see how that might have prevented some spiritual growth (in my sense it was pride of accomplishment).

I want to stress to our readers here that we are meant to rest and take breaks. If Lent seems really overwhelming this year, then take advantage of the joy and hope that Sunday brings! Show up as much as you can during the week, but then also make sure to show up on Sunday and allow yourself to feel excitement for what’s to come on Easter morning.

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Copyright 2026 Michelle Nott
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