“I have amazing friends who have led inspirational lives.” ~ Andrew Shue
Lent begins tomorrow with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. It is a wonderful season that gives us the opportunity to do some very important introspection. Are our lives going in the direction they should be heading? Are there things we need to do to improve ourselves? Can we make more room for God in our lives? These important questions can often be answered by taking a look at some of our friends.
By “friends,” I refer most specifically to the saints who have gone before us. They give us wonderful examples of overcoming temptation and sin and drawing closer to God in holiness and humility. Lent might be a good time to find a book or two (or even a movie or two) about a couple of your favorite saints and dwell upon their stories.
As Lent approaches, many people have questions each year about the regulations regarding fast and abstinence. Let me address them here as a reminder for you.
Ash Wednesday is a Day of Fast and Abstinence.
The Fridays of Lent are Days of Abstinence.
Good Friday is a Day of Fast and Abstinence.
Fast: Allows for only one full meal to be taken during the day. Two smaller meals are permitted, if necessary, to maintain strength according to one’s needs. The two smaller meals, combined, should be less than the one full meal taken. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are 18 years of age through to those who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday.
[Medical conditions may make it impossible to fast. The Church has never held its people to the impossible. If you have a condition that prohibits you from fasting, you are not obliged to do so.]
Abstinence: The practice of refraining from meat and meat products. Abstinence is to be practiced by all who are 14 years of age and older.
FAITH ACTION: Make some spiritual plans for yourself for the season of Lent.