What’s Expected in Lent?

[Username7]

During lent I know it’s not an obligation to give something up, but I understand we should.

For me, I’ve started doing penances in Wednesday’s, as well as Friday’s. I choose both myself, as I live in Canada and we can substitute the abstinence from meat for something else.

However I’m not sure if what I’m doing on the Fridays and Wednesday’s is sufficient.

On Friday I usually skip breakfast, and don’t drink coffee, just in case I fail the abstinence from meat. But is doing only one of those sufficient?

Then on Wednesdays I pray the rosary (audio recording because I’m still learning how to do it, and I think if I listen instead of checking back in forth to my phone I’ll be more concentrated.)
Skip breakfast, and don’t drink coffee. I understand none of those are obligated, and if I willfully choose not to do them there is no sin involved. So would doing just one of those be sufficient?

Also since it’s Lent, I feel sort of guilty when I eat like I normally do (excluding Wednesday, and Friday)
I also feel guilty when I drink flavoured drinks for my enjoyment.

So my question is this, should I feel guilty for living like I normally do during Lent?

 

[Stephen_says]

I would first encourage you to discern whether you are giving up the extra meal and coffee for a noble purpose, such as mourning your sinfulness, vs doing it to say you accomplished a great feat for lent! If you truly are, then don’t feel guilty, God desires our repentance more than sacrifices.

 

[Username7]

I guess that’s a good way to look at it. Thank you for the reply!