February 16

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Lent 2018

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Read

Today we are reminded of the practice of fasting on Fridays during Lent. Read this reflection on why we fast on Fridays in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. 

Reflect

Pope Francis said of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, "All three exclude the need for appearances: what counts is not appearances; the value of life does not depend on the approval of others or on success, but on what we have inside us."

—Ash Wednesday Homily, 2014

Pray

"Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation:

you make us hunger and thirst for holiness.

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation:

you call us to true fasting:

to set free the oppressed,

to share our bread with the hungry,

to shelter the homeless and to clothe the naked."

—Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, 96

Act

Many often choose something to give up during all of Lent—not just on Fridays—as a way of fasting. Practice self-discipline and choose something to refrain from until Easter. Challenge yourself!

A graphic from Catholic News Service depicts the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.