Ash Wednesday

At a point long ago, it seems to me that ash Wednesday was a day of fasting in the Catholic Church. Like many of the disciplines of faith, I think that has been set aside in favor of more convenient forms of self denial. I may have this wrong as it has been quite sometime since I've been up on current traditions of the Catholic Church.  Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

At any rate, the ultimate example of self-denial comes from Jesus, Himself.  Paul tells us that even though He had the very nature of God, He set that aside and took on human flesh; the form of a servant and was obedient unto death; even death on the cross. Fasting is a way to remind ourselves of His sacrifice.

Ultimately, fasting is a form of purification. An extended fast allows the body to purge itself of toxins and use up weak or sick cells for energy. It is a rite of cleansing; a way to present yourself as purified before the Lord. I'm wondering if there will be many that fast today; not that it really matters. That decision is between an individual and their God. Muslims have a modified fast that they perform during their Holy seasons. Orthodox Jews have days of fasting. It seems that fasting has become a lost discipline in the contemporary Christian church.  Maybe we're just not into that whole self denial thing. Maybe we need to reread those words from the Apostle Paul. You'll find them here.

Have a great day.
John <><