Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting that marks the first day of Lent, which is the six weeks of penitence before Easter. The holiday is also observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Moravians, Nazarenes, and more. The primary objective of Ash Wednesday is to pay homage to Christ’s 40-day fast and practice of self-discipline in the desert before beginning his ministry. NOT all Christians observe Ash Wednesday or the 40-day fasting that culminates into Easter. Jesus said when you are fasting, it should not be made known to people and so, most Christians believe that fasting should not be limited to the Lenten period alone. In Catholicism, on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent: Everyone of age 14 and up must abstain from consuming meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone of age 18 to 59 must fast, unless exempt due to usually a medical reason. Is Ash Wednesday a day you recognize? Do you fast or give up anything during lent? Let’s talk about it…
Bryan Ramirez: “Let one hand not know what the other is doing.”
Melody Mike: “To be like Christ or of Him is hard. Fasting at this time isn’t the same. One gets weak and in todays “go-go” societal demands, it’s a hard thing to do. The church emphasized this during this period so the church, as a body and a body of Christ, could emulate and praise Him. This is a church implementation , not a Christ one. So, although I agree with the church’s strategy , to fast should be based on one’s time to do so safely. To recognize the sacrifice the Son of God made for us, is something we, as believers , should all do at once in our ways”
Carmen Madariags: “Yes! Fasting! Fasting is a beautiful discipline which teaches self control and humility. It renders grace, and is actually good for the body. It is a HOLY tradition to make time for contemplation upon our LORD’S IMMENSE LOVE for mankind, so Profound ALL MIGHTY GOD HIMSELF paid the penalty of sin, for all who will believe and receive LORD JESUS CHRIST UNFANTONABLE SUFFERING endured willingly to SAVE US from hell and eternal damnation. PRAISE AND GLORY AND ETERNAL GRATITUDE unto THEE MESSIAH YESHUA LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Felipe Hinojosa: “Yes, my family and I recognize and honor Ash Wednesday, and the entire lent season inclusive of Holy Week. Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving—as the three things we need to work on during the season. It is most definitely not a thing of the past. Let’s not become a thing of the past by believing that Lent is a thing of the past. Don’t forget where you came from.”
Mary Svetlik Watkins: “We observed as a family. We also make this a period of giving out. We give out not up. Often, when I give up, I complain and adopt a martyr attitude. Jesus died and was born again for us.. Giving out allows us to exemplify our beliefs and be a blessing. My family won’t brag about our deeds because no one needs to know but God. Plus my goal is to pray the rosary everyday. I want to deepen my faith journey.”
Ramon Chapa Jr.:“The fasting during lent is not in the bible. It’s a religious thing. But yes Jesus did teach us to fast because sometimes prayer alone does not work. So Jesus said only by fasting and prayer will a strong form of darkness be removed. But nothing is mentioned during lent. So this Friday, I will have a big old steak! In Jesus Name!”
Leland Todd: “Fasting is in the Bible. Lent is not. Didn’t even start until the 4th century AD. Just another man made tradition. If someone wants to fast for 40 days like Jesus did I support it.”
Lisa Denise Traspeña-Schexnayder: “Not sure what bibles you are all reading but yes it does say that Jesus fasted for 40 days. And yes we should do as Christ did.”
Julie Lopez Kos: “Sometimes I breakout with certain fish… So I just eat something simple. I didn’t develop these allergic reactions until I was older… I’m happy eating a veggie plate or salad …. Now I did speak to a priest and since I had proof in hand etc. He said I could eat what I needed to because it was a medical condition..”
Jeff Hull: “I don’t participate in Lent. As human beings we are imperfect. It seems hypocritical to walk around with ashes on the forehead and give up red meat only to continue the same behaviors afterwards. It seems an insult to Christ considering all he went through. I practice what Christ taught before people put him to death. Which is treating others as I would have them treat me but I do it daily and as often as I can. Not just one day a year.”
Dc Ahmed: “To each his own…. Thank God we have a choice.”
Alyssa Araujo: “I will give up Candy!”
Anthony L. Green: “I will give up
Procrastination LOL.”
Sarita Teenit: “It feels very performative. Your relationship with God is personal and doesn’t require advertising.”
Stacey Mahan McCrary: “Enjoy your faith but stop pushing your faith onto others who may already have a faith!”
Sághiñi Dervis: “A season of prayer, fasting and asking for forgiveness.”
Barbara Kerr: “I am giving up cola. It’s my go to caffeinated beverage since I’m not a big fan of coffee.”
Ann Elizabeth Compton: “Several of my non-Catholic friends have embraced Lent throughout the years, too. I am also trying to reduce screen time-but we see how that is working so far!”
Georgina Segaric Brizuela: “I retired as the Volunteer Liaison at The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale/ RiverSpring and as a Catholic and I had the honor of being the Volunteer Liaison in this wonderful Jewish facility. If there is one thing I learned from my Jewish brothers and sisters is….”Mitzvah”…doing always something good for someone. I love the word and I love the action. Instead of giving up something I will try to do more for someone this Lent…even if it just giving them encouragement…a smile…helping in one way or another. “Doing a mitzvah” is the most beautiful thing we can do. After all…Jesus did many mitzvahs for others…by showing love..compassion and tolerance for all without exclusion.”
Brandy Marie Cardenas: “Giving up my diet coke.”
Mark Gibbons: “Giving up underwear.”
Phillip Alexander Alfaro: “Maybe
Facebook.”
