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We are in the midst of redesigning our site, so things are in a bit of a mess! We should be much better in just a day or two!
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and explore what God has for you today. At Only By Prayer, we’re all about helping you to bring the sacred into the everyday. Perhaps you’d like to read a relevant blog post, listen to a short Reflections podcast, or learn something new about prayer. If you’d like you can also participate in our Prayer Across America Journey. These and many other discoveries await you. Be sure to let us (Mary and Jane) know what you think by leaving a comment, and thanks for the visit!
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent on the Christian calendar. Lent is the time when believers prepare our hearts for the coming of Easter; it’s the time for reflecting on the sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us when He went to the cross. We can do this in several ways:
Hi there, I have a question something that really confuses me, some people don’t eat meat on several days of lent, is this a tradition for some religious? And is this in the Bible?
Hi, Orquidia,
Thanks so much for your comment!
Regarding not eating meat, some faiths (usually Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Methodist traditions) do this on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday of Lent to mark the sacrifice that Jesus made while He was fasting in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-11). It’s a sacrifice on their part in response to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. The Bible itself doesn’t tell us to do this. These faiths make if part of their traditions for their congregants to do if they are medically able to do so.
Along the same lines, some people will “fast” from or give up something favorite of theirs for the entire time of Lent to emulate Jesus’ fasting in the desert. For example, like chocolate or cake, etc.
Let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks, again!