I wrote this post last year on the same day but I thought it would nice to share it with y’all again since I know that many of you wonder and have asked. Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent for Catholics as well as other religions. So just what is Lent? Well Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting, special prayer and alms (charity) giving in preparation for Easter. I know that sounds like a lot but it really isn’t. At least not as much as you think.
Ashes on Your Head
You are going to see lots of people walking around with ashes on their heads today. The ashes are a sign of penance as we get ready for Easter. It is really that simple.
Who is Required to Fast
Fasting is one of the ways we celebrate Lent. However not everyone is required to fast for obvious health concerns. Only adult Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast and the required fasting days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
However, all Catholics 14 and older are obliged to refrain from eating meat which we do on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday. Actually, Church Law says that we shouldn’t eat meat any Friday of the year but here in the United States we may perform another penance if we choose. Fish is allowed because it is not considered meat. That is why you will find fish served at many restaurants on Fridays.
Fasting doesn’t mean not eating at all. It is simply eating no more than one full meal and two light meals as needed to maintain your health. You can drink whatever throughout the day but not meat based broths. Since I am a diabetic and required to eat slightly more I make adjustments and add in more penance. The Church doesn’t want you to make yourself sick.
Giving Something Up
Below are the things that I gave up and did my best to work on last year. Underneath all of that is what my plan for this year is.
Many Catholics will give something up for Lent. Such as a favorite drink or a food they love. It is our way of turning away from our selfishness and knowing that God will take care of our needs. For me (and I actually started this just before Lent) I am giving up all unnecessary spending. I have a horrible habit of just buying whatever I want when I want it without always thinking it through. I am not doing that anymore.
I am also going to stop stressing so much about money. I told God just what I need to earn each money to be comfortable. Guess what, I stopped stressing so much starting on Monday and I have almost made what I need for the month in the last two days.
Another thing I am giving up is taking sides when it comes to my siblings. It is stressful because I feel as though I have to choose and I refuse to do that any longer. I don’t want to come to end of my life and feel as though I didn’t do more to bring us together as a family.
This Year I’m Working on….
The biggest thing I am giving up this year is sodas. I have done it in the past and let me tell you it is not as easy as it sounds. I also have to work on my stressing so much. I think worrying and stressing is something that I attempt to let go every year. They are both something that I will continue to work on each year as well.
Money is again on of my things but not as much as it was last year. I’ve done well with spending less. I still worry on if I am bringing in enough or if I need to take on new clients. That is something I am going to leave in God’s hands more. I am going to pray on it whenever I feel like it is getting to be too much.
Are you celebrating Lent? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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I am so happy that I happened to see your post today. I completely forgot it was Ash Wednesday. Thank you for the reminder of the importance of the day!
I’m giving up soda. Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I were just talking about the ages required to fast. He’s 59, so he’s still required to do so. This was a nice article.
I grew up going to a catholic church but i stopped attending church when i was about 18 or 19.
I was just at the grocery store and am noticing a lot of sales on fish and seafood. It makes sense because of lent!
I am not Catholic but I know many people including my family that go out to have a seafood dinner on Fridays. Now I know where we got that tradition.
I am not Catholic so I don’t know much about it. This is a really interesting article!
I am Catholic and observe all the holy days. My sister-in-law has been a cloistered nun for over 30 years. She lives in a convent about 4 hours from us. She will come visit after Easter.
I often feel we should give up more than what we do, after all He has given up something wonderful! , beautiful!, with so much love, So I have chosen to give up playing any scratch tickets for the month of March, And also working out. Now you say how can working out be given up anything, because it has, less food, more water, not being lazy and sitting on the computer all day but doing exercises, it gives me more time to study my Bible, his words, and pray and be still in silence, giving more thanks.
@tisonlyme143
My stepfather is Catholic and I had no idea that not everyone has to fast. I respect his adherence to Lent every year.
interesting info
I grew up in an area where there was a large Catholic church. We had fish on Friday at school, and many of my friends gave up something for Lent. I’d forgotten all about it, since where I live now doesn’t have many Catholic churchgoers. I go to a non-denominational Christian church so we just celebrate Easter Sunday.
I am giving up all sweet desserts for Lent this year.
i grew up catholic .
My husband is Catholic so I celebrate Lent with him. I have never converted but do follow the rules concerning Lent. A nice post and easily understood by non Catholic.
One of my best friends is Catholic and she celebrates Lent. She wants me to do it with her one year, I think it would be interesting to try!
What a beautiful rosary in the photo. I’ve never seen one like that. Thanks for posting!