In all this wedding jubilation,
I almost forgot about Ash Wednesday
and the beginning of the Lenten season.
If you've also forgotten about Lent
and what it's all about,
here's a brief
definition from wikipedia.
There are traditionally forty days in Lent
which are marked by fasting,
both from foods and festivities,
and by other acts of penance.
The three traditional practices to be taken up
fasting (justice towards self),
and almsgiving (justice towards neighbour).
Today, some people give up a vice of theirs,
add something that will bring them closer to God,
and often give the time or money spent
doing that to charitable purposes or organizations
Side note: I love that neighbor (above) is spelled
with an extra "u" in it. So British. Haha.
It's also a "countdown" of sorts
to Holy Week.
According to tradition,
certain hymns are not sung
during this time, like "Alleluia"
and "Gloria in Excelsis Deo."
I'm thinking and praying today
about what to give up
during these next forty days.
Meat? Desserts? Social Media?
What have you considered
giving up this year?
Another side note:
I'm often afraid when people
see me with ashes on my forehead
and think "I never knew she was a Christian."
That's something that will definitely humble a person.
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