Ash Wednesday :First Day of Lent

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and falls on the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday is traditionally observed by Western Christians.

Source:Wikipedia

Significance: It is the first day of Lent.

Observances: Holy Mass, Holy Qurbana, Service of worship, Divine Service; Fasting and abstinence; Placing of ashes on the head

Related to: Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras; Shrovetide/Carnival; Lent; Easter; Eastertide




ASH WEDNESDAY 


“ By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; FOR DUST YOU ARE AND TO DUST YOU WILL RETURN. ”

— Genesis 3:19




PRAYER:

ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, today marks the beginning of a period of inner reflection and examination. Father, the days stretch before me and invite me inward to that silent, holy space that houses Your Holy Spirit. This special period invites me to examine my life through our Lord Jesus Christ’s eyes and the truth and reality of Your love embodied. Father, give me the grace to enter the atmosphere of these days of lent with anticipation of our meeting. Lord, when I open my heart to Your presence, let Your loving kindness flow over me and seep into the pockets of my soul. I ask this for the sake of Your love. “ CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART, O GOD, AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME ” (Psalm 51:10). Amen.




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FASTING IS WHAT YOU GIVE UP FOR LENT

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, most notably by the public imposition of ashes.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, most notably by the public imposition of ashes.

There is a strong biblical base for fasting, particularly during the 40 days of Lent leading to the celebration of Easter. Jesus, as part of his spiritual preparation, went into the wilderness and fasted 40 days and 40 nights, according to the Gospels. 

Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with only one simple meal during the day, usually without meat.

1. Refrain from eating meat (bloody foods) on all Fridays in Lent, substituting fish for example.
2. Eliminate a food or food group for the entire season. Especially consider saving rich and fatty foods for Easter.
3. Consider not eating before receiving Communion in Lent.
4. Abstain from or limit a favorite activity (television, movies, etc.) for the entire season, and spend more time in prayer, Bible study, and reading devotional material.

WHAT SHOULD I GIVE UP FOR LENT? MEAT? SWEETS? CHOCOLATE? ICE CREAM? BEVERAGES? MEAT?

Many of us try to be more disciplined for Lent and give up something that we really like. That’s great! Fasting has always been an important tradition of Lent. This year however, let us also consider other things that we can give up.

*Give up complaining* – _ Focus on gratitude_

Philippians 2:14–15 – ‘Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure…’

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ’.

*Give up bitterness* – _ Turn to forgiveness_

Ephesians 4:31 – ‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice’.

Ephesians 4:32 – ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you’.

*Give up worry* – _Trust in God_

Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Matthew 6:33 – ‘But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’.

*Give up discouragement* – _ Be full of hope_

Deuteronomy 31:8 – ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’.

Isaiah 40:31 – ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint’.

*Give up hatred* – _ Return good for evil_

1 John 2:9 – ‘Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness’.

Luke 6:27 – “But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

*Give up anger* – _ Be more patient_

Matthew 5:22 – ‘But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment’.

Proverbs 15:18 – ‘A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel’.

*Give up gossiping* – _Control your tongue_

Psalm 34:13 – ‘Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies’.

Proverbs 21:23 – ‘He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity’.