For Christians, it's time to give it up for Lent

It's time-out time for Christians.

Wednesday marks the start of Lent, that 40-day period of penitence and self-discipline leading up to Easter.

The tradition recalls the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, and is mainly observed by Catholics and several Protestant denominations. While Christmas is a season of celebration and joy, Lent is more serious: a time of fasting, self-denial, conversion, simplicity and Christian growth.

In New Orleans, where they're still hung over from celebrating the Saints' Super Bowl victory, they'll put on a raucous Fat Tuesday celebration first, then settle down the next day for the Ash Wednesday observance.

Lent comes from the Teutonic word for springtime. Think of it as a spiritual spring cleaning. And when the task is finished, the object is to be a better person.

"People always think Lent is about giving up something," says the Rev. Ed Henley, of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Tampa. "But that's not the whole purpose. You give up something so you can make room for God."

It can also be a time of abstract sacrifices. This Lent, Henley is suggesting his congregation to give up blame - either blaming others or themselves.

"It's the easiest way to avoid responsibility," he says. "For a lot of us, it's the easy way out. It's a habit that will take some discipline and concentration to break."

Hopefully, some Lenten sacrifices will become lifelong practices, says the Rev. Sean O'Brien, who teaches religion at Sacred Heart Academy in Tampa.

"If you're doing something that helps you become a better person, a more spiritual person, then maybe it's something you may want to stick with," he says.

In his line of work, the year is filled with religious observances. But he says Lent is one of the most popular.

"It's a call to take stock and make some changes," he says. "It even speaks to people who don't have a particular religion, but want to be closer to God."