February 13*: Ash Wednesday

*The date of Ash Wednesday is based off of the date of Easter, so it changes every year. In 2013, it’s happening on February 13, right before Valentine’s Day!

Lent is a time of fasting and prayer, remembering the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. As you probably all know, Lent starts today on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter (March 31, this year). There are dozens of traditions about Lent, but most involve giving something up for the entire season of Lent, and using the time, money, and energy that would have been spent on it to pray and help others.

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:15

 

February 22*: Ash Wednesday

“For dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Genesis 3:19b

The season of Lent has begun today with Ash Wednesday – a day to repent and reflect, mourn and rejoice, fast and pray. Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert before beginning his preaching. Similarly, today we can use this period of Lent to remove ourselves from the world, focus our thoughts on God, practice discipline in all aspects of our lives, and prepare ourselves to reenter the world with new zeal on Easter, ready to spread the good news everywhere.

“The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:15b

*The date of Ash Wednesday changes every year, depending on what day Easter falls.