Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is Wednesday, March 6. Ash Wednesday is one of the two fasting days of the year, the other being Good Friday. Jesus Himself recommended and practiced fasting (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 4:2, Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29), as did the early Church and faithful Christians in every generation.
The general rule for Lent that has come down to us is this: Each day consists of one full meal and two smaller portions of food. Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from flesh meat. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of complete fasting. No food is eaten until sundown. Medical issues and age are reasons to moderate the fast of food.
We will mark the day at St. John’s with the Penitential Office, Blessing and Distribution of Ashes, and Holy Communion at 7:00 pm. We will meet in the Loyal Builders’ Room behind the sanctuary.
