Today is Ash Wednesday…for Catholics it marks the first day of Lent and a time for important resolutions. It’s a time when we recognize the sacrifice that Christ made for us by abstaining for 40 days, until Holy week begins on Palm Sunday leading up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, the previous year’s palms ashes are burned and spread in the form of a cross over our foreheads. It’s one day that my husband and I look forward to every year because we feel whole with our fellow Catholics. As you shop the grocery store you’ll no doubt pass by others with marks from their palms ashes on their foreheads and inevitably feel a zing of belonging. Rich, poor, black, white…we are all visibly united for this day. Beyond that it is a time of peace and meditation. During lent we abstain from anything questionably “sinful” (a retreat of sorts) and spend our extra free time studying the scripture. If we haven’t found opportunities throughout the year, the time is now.
This Lent, I am issuing myself a challenge that I have put off for a while. As part of this challenge I am resolving to both abstain from any “unhealthy” foods and drinks (like sweets) and adding a DAILY fitness routine. This is going to be a “get fit” year for me. I’m also motivating myself to read the Word daily (part of the Lenten tradition) and study it together as a family. Luck and prayers abound!
What are your challenges to yourself this year? These don’t have to be related to Lent. =)
© 2011, Chantilly Patiño. All rights reserved.
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Amiga!!! We are on the same path. We are going on 3 weeks of healthy living. We just started going to church on ash wednesday and i'm hoping we continue to go every sunday now since we have found a church we like. Like you we would give up the junk foods but this year I just want to be healthy with or without lent. Abrazos!
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