Ash Wednesday

[ancmetro]

     Many years I did! And it made me stronger.

[freedavis]

I used to being in a catholic school but older I have not much.

[JediJohnnie]

Is Fasting Obligatory for Christians?
The Mosaic Law ordered the Jews to “afflict [their] souls,” that is, to fast, once a year on Atonement Day. (Leviticus 16:29-31; Psalm 35:13) This was the only fasting that Jehovah ever commanded his people to do.* Jews who lived under the Mosaic Law would have obeyed that command. But Christians are not required to observe the Mosaic Law.—Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14.
Although Jesus did fast as the Law required, he was not known for this practice. He told his disciples how they were to act if they chose to fast, but he never commanded that they fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14) Why, then, did Jesus say that his disciples would fast after his death? (Matthew 9:15) This was not a command. Jesus’ words simply suggest that at his death his disciples would feel deep sorrow and would lose the desire to eat.

Beware of the Pitfalls
One pitfall to avoid regarding fasting is self-righteousness. The Bible warns against adopting “mock humility.” (Colossians 2:20-23) Jesus’ illustration of the proud Pharisee who felt morally superior to others because of his regular fasting leaves no doubt that God rejects such an attitude.—Luke 18:9-14.

Well,I don't disagree that we're not obligated to fast.  My objection was to the comparisons to paganism.

[anitaraemillspalmer]

Do you ever get ashes rubbed on your forehead on Ash Wednesday? I haven't done that for a while, but I'll see if I can find an Ash Wednesday service for that this year.

Have never done so but I do give up something for Lent usually sweets because I have a huge sweet tooth

[rdy2pl8]

Honestly, I've never been to an Ash Wednesday service.

[hitch0403]

     Many years I did! And it made me stronger.

Was there steroids in the ashes?

[LaTashaS28]

No, I never heard of that