With the season of Lent upon us, I’m setting out to explore the traditional Lenten disciplines of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. These disciplines are taken from the opening verses of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. See how Jesus begins each section of…
Fasting for Lent: How to Fast for Lent and Why You Should Do It
Lent is a time for prayer and fasting. It is a season of spiritual preparation in which we remember Christ’s temptation, suffering, and death. Historically, the Church has celebrated Lent as a 40-day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding the day before Easter. It is observed in many Christian churches as a time to…
Ash Wednesday: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Ash Wednesday initiates Lent, a period of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter, rooted in Jesus’ wilderness experience. Observers receive ashes as a symbol of mortality and repentance. The day emphasizes communal acknowledgment of sin and the need for God’s grace, encouraging participation through services and fasting to deepen spiritual awareness.
Feasting in Lent
Common Misconceptions We’ve all said it. I know I have said it: “In Lent, we fast except on Sundays.” We do think that way; at least, I do. I’m focused on the fast, and I think of Sunday as an exception: a time to give up the fast so I can take a break and indulge in…
