Ash Wednesday -Lent Begins

Being baptized Catholic and attending catholic school I have learned to appreciate why we did the stations of the cross. And although I was a bit rebellious back and in many ways the teachers and principals were cruel and I feel abusive then I am grateful for the strict teachings when it came to religion and attending church before school began. I can still today recite mass from beginning to end.

I am not getting into my thoughts on the school I went to I did a blog on that a couple years ago. And have moved on.

Today is how I see things from the teachings I learned from attending class and officially having reverend status . Which is a true blessing and gift that I worked hard for and didn’t even realize that is where God was leading me to do.

Also see the blog from a few years ago when I write about this (link below)

Today is Ash Wednesday- Lent Begins

Lent is a period of spiritual preparation for Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays. It is a time for Christians to reflect on their faith and to prepare themselves for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

During Lent, many Christians choose to give up something as a form of sacrifice and self-discipline. This practice is known as fasting, and it is meant to help individuals focus on their spiritual journey and to deepen their relationship with God. Instead of me giving up something I choose to read and study my Bible more, to be of service more to my community.

Giving up something during Lent can take many different forms. Some people choose to give up a particular food or drink, such as chocolate or alcohol. Others may give up a particular habit, such as watching television or using social media. Still, others may choose to take on a new spiritual practice, such as daily prayer or attending church more frequently.

The act of giving up something during Lent is not meant to be a punishment or a test of willpower. Instead, it is meant to be a way of redirecting our attention and energy towards our relationship with God. By giving up something that we enjoy or rely on, we are reminded of our dependence on God and are encouraged to turn to Him for strength and guidance.

In addition to fasting, Lent is also a time for Christians to engage in acts of service and charity. By helping others and working to make the world a better place, we are reminded of the importance of love and compassion in our faith.

Whether your Lenten journey involves giving up or taking on, or both, here is Scripture to help you contemplate the meaning of this sacred season.

Millions of people give up things during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline.

Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ’s sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for the 40 days before later dying on the cross. 

In the Bible’s New Testament, while Jesus was there, Satan tempted him to turn away from God and worship him instead, but Jesus refused to, which is why people might give something up, in order to test their own self-discipline too.

I go in the other direction, I choose to do more for others in need. I raise or donate money for my favorite charities , I give to my local mission or domestic violence shelter. And I volunteer my time.

Here are a couple scriptures about Lent which will end on Palm Sunday and that begins Holy Week.

Matthew 6:16-18 – Keep a Secret

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites…But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18)

No need to tell everybody what you may have given up for lent, if you’ve given up anything. Keep it in secret. It’s a secret between you and God. What could be more powerful than a secret like that?

Isaiah 58:6-7 – Take on Something

Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house…” (Isaiah 58:6-7)

Volunteer at that soup kitchen. Make a donation to your favorite charity. Donate some clothing or food for the poor. Giving of yourself can be another way of doing a Lenten fast. Taking on something vs giving up or as you may do both.

In conclusion, Lent is a period of spiritual preparation for Easter that involves fasting and acts of service. By giving up something during Lent, we are reminded of our dependence on God and are encouraged to deepen our relationship with Him. Lent is an important time for Christians to reflect on their faith and to prepare themselves for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.